‘Swallow your pride and fear’: the educational strategies of high-achieving non-traditional university students

Wong, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7310-6418 and Chiu, Y.-L. T. (2019) ‘Swallow your pride and fear’: the educational strategies of high-achieving non-traditional university students. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 40 (7). pp. 868-882. ISSN 0142-5692 doi: 10.1080/01425692.2019.1604209

Abstract/Summary

With more graduates, degree outcomes have a renewed significance for high-achieving students to stand out in a graduate crowd. In the UK, over a quarter of undergraduates now leave university with the highest grade – a ‘first-class’ degree – although students from non-traditional and underprivileged backgrounds are the least likely. This paper explores the experiences of high-achieving non-traditional (HANT) university students. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 final-year students who are on course to achieve a first-class degree from working-class, minority ethnic and/or mature backgrounds, we examine their pathways to academic success through identity works and negotiations. We argue that early successes are crucial for students to re-evaluate their self-expectations as students who can achieve in higher education, while self-esteem, pride or fear can prevent students from maximising their available resources and opportunities. Implications for practice and policy are discussed, including the reflective advice from HANT students toward academic success.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/83135
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/01425692.2019.1604209
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > Institute of Education > Improving Equity and Inclusion through Education
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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