Generative mechanisms for student value perceptions: an exploratory case study

NICHOLSON, Alex and JOHNSTON, Paul (2021). Generative mechanisms for student value perceptions: an exploratory case study. Journal of Further and Higher Education.

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Official URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03098...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2021.1905158

Abstract

Despite ever-strengthening political rhetoric to the contrary, there can be little doubt that the holistic value of an undergraduate degree is far greater than merely its potential for employability enhancement. However, what is less clear is the extent to which fee-paying students perceive broader aspects of value, and how such value perceptions are formed. This paper outlines findings from an exploratory case study comprising six life history interviews in which past and present law students from a post-92 university in the UK were asked to explore how they perceive the value of their degree, specifically focusing on how and when such value perceptions might have been shaped by their life experiences. Through analysis of the resultant data, a wide range of possible ‘generative mechanisms’ were identified which may influence student value perceptions in this context. Generative mechanisms are not direct causes but things which have the potential to have a real-world impact given the right conditions. By understanding such mechanisms, legal education providers – and to a lesser extent also providers from other disciplines – can more effectively design and market their programmes to ensure that they deliver maximum value that is perceived within their markets.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This article was retrospectively made gold open access (June 2021).
Uncontrolled Keywords: 1301 Education Systems
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2021.1905158
SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited: 15 Mar 2021 15:19
Last Modified: 20 Oct 2021 13:29
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28396

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