An exploration of the perspectives of first generation immigrant students on their educational experiences at an FE college in South East England

Olasimbo, T. M. (2017) An exploration of the perspectives of first generation immigrant students on their educational experiences at an FE college in South East England. EdD thesis, University of Reading.

Abstract/Summary

This study used an exploratory case study to investigate first generation immigrant students' perspectives on their educational experience at a South East England further education (FE) college. The concept of globalization intersected by immigration, the knowledge economy, education, workers' reflexivity, and Bourdieu's theory of social capital provides an overarching theoretical framework for this study. An interpretive approach, in line with social constructivism was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 male and 5 female first generation immigrant students aged 17 -57. The interview data was analysed using an inductive thematic process. The study aimed to gain a deeper insight into why first generation immigrants were attracted to FE colleges, what their learning experiences were like, what challenges (if any) were they facing and what their future job prospects were in the labour market. Although proximity to home, affordability and the need to improve their English language proficiency were found to be the main reasons why they chose to enrol at the college, the respondents also did not have access to adequate information before they decided to enrol at the college. The study found that the respondents' learning experience was characterised by a cordial student-lecturer relationship. The main challenges to the respondents' education were limited English language proficiency and lack of both economic and social capital. The findings from this study suggest that first generation immigrant students were not confident about their future job prospects in the UK labour market. Although the results of this study may not be generalizable, the findings may be useful to other individuals and institutions in gaining a deeper understanding of the educational experience of first generation immigrants