Contextualising the landscape and developing a typology.
Andrews, S., Stephenson, J., Adefila, A., Cuthbert, K., Lee, S., Dodd, V. & Jones-Devitt, S. (2023) Approaches to addressing the ethnicity degree award gap: Contextualising the landscape and developing a typology. Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education [online]
Author reflection
Dr. Sally Andrews, Staffordshire University, reflects on leading the TASO commissioned report (June 2023) where a typology and narrative of current approaches to addressing the ethnicity degree awarding gap was developed.
What is the purpose of this project?
The Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice (SCoLPP) undertook this commissioned project for TASO, to develop a typology of approaches used to address the ethnicity degree awarding gap and to develop an understanding of the current landscape of working in this space. Through this project we identified 16 different types of approaches outlined in Access and Participation Plans and identified six key themes from interviewing stakeholders.
Who is this project for?
We hope that the learning and recommendations from this project will primarily assist those in decision-making roles across the sector (including regulators) and anyone developing and/or delivering activities and approaches to reduce inequalities for marginalised ethnicity students. We hope the data dashboard will be used by those developing knowledge and understanding about the ethnicity degree awarding gap – and how to address it – into the future, though it will also be useful for those aiming to develop a more nuanced understanding of current approaches to addressing the ethnicity degree awarding gap.
Our experience of undertaking this work
It was a real privilege undertaking this work for TASO, and to work with our fantastic expert reference group who helped to develop and refine our thinking and recommendations. Through the project, we were able to hold open and honest conversations with people working in different roles across the sector to address the ethnicity awarding gap about their experiences and perceptions.
Additional information
Further information and resources can be found on the TASO resource hub, with links to the reports, recording of the launch event, good practice, further TASO’s resources, and the data dashboard.