Minding the gap - From disparity to beyond

The sector wide differences in the attainment of students categorised as Black Minority Ethnic (BME) and as white increases, despite the good degrees gained by students categorised as BME rising year on year (ECU, 2012). In this research staff and student perceptions of the attainment gap are explored and initiatives to reduce the gap are implemented. The research identified four areas that are crucial to student success and contribute to gap: the quality of learning relationships pedagogic factors: i.e. the clarity of assignment briefs psychosocial barriers: i.e. student expectation, belongingness, aspiration raising and fear of stereotype threats social capital: i.e. understanding the HE rules of engagement and degree classifications On conclusion of the programme the University saw a 2% decrease in its attainment gap. This work continues through the What Works Change Programme and considers how assessment practices can impact of student retention, progression, success and sense of belongingness

Disparities in student attainment: The University of Wolverhampton final report

This project was the result of a the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) project fund initiative funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and managed by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The research discussed in this document has been carried out across two Higher Education Institutions in the Midlands: Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton.Higher Education Academ