What is Widening Participation? Definition, Goals and Challenges for Higher Education Professionals
Widening participation, also known as widening access, is a strategy used by governments and higher education institutions to increase the number of students who participate in higher education, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups, such as students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, ethnic minority students, and students with disabilities.
In the UK higher education sector, universities strategise how to deliver widening participation efforts and report their impact to the sector regulator, the Office for Students (OfS). Using Access and Participation Plans, the OfS then judges providers on their efforts to improve equality of opportunity. So, understandably, widening participation is becoming a touchstone issue across the sector.
The widening participation agenda is becoming increasingly important across the higher education sector as universities strive towards creating greater social mobility and social justice. Read on to find out the objectives of widening participation, the strategies used to propel it and the benefits in higher education.
The goals of widening participation include:
Increasing the diversity of the student body at higher education institutions
Promoting social mobility by providing access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Meeting the needs of the workforce by providing a more diverse pool of qualified graduates
Enhancing the learning environment for all students by exposing them to a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
Strategies for driving social mobility
There are a number of strategies that can be used to widen participation in higher education, including:
Providing financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and bursaries
Offering targeted outreach and support programs to underrepresented groups
Improving academic preparation for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment
Diversifying the curriculum to reflect the experiences of underrepresented groups
Widening participation is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, it is an important goal that can have a significant impact on society as a whole.
Benefits of Widening Participation
There are a number of benefits to widening participation in higher education. These benefits include:
Increased social mobility for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
A more diverse and inclusive student body at higher education institutions
A more prepared workforce to meet the needs of employers
A more vibrant and stimulating learning environment for all students
A more just and equitable society
Challenges of Widening Participation
There are also a number of challenges to widening participation in higher education. These challenges include:
Financial constraints
Cultural differences between students and institutions
Lack of academic preparation
A lack of awareness of higher education opportunities
A lack of support from family and friends
A Complex Issue for Complex Times
Widening participation is a complex issue with no easy solutions, especially against the backdrop of a higher education sector that is shifting and transforming before our eyes. However, it is an important goal that can have a significant impact on society as a whole and therefore should be crucial to any university strategy. By understanding the challenges and benefits of widening participation, we can work to create a more inclusive and equitable higher education system.
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