What an interesting question. Though, I suspect, not easily answered.
What we found when doing research for the LearnHigher CETL was that there were so many different variables that contributed to each of the multiple learning communities that existed even within a single institution, that it was extremely difficult to generalise. In fact I found Tamsin Haggis's application of complexity theory to higher education very useful when analysing data on this topic.
That said, we have observed (though not recorded) a number of explicable micro-trends within our own institution. These included greater numbers of students with Asperger Syndrome in disciplines which impose order on the world like Maths, Systems Engineering and Meteorology, for instance; a number of dyslexic students attracted to studying Classics who have not studied the subject previously, and therefore not had the experience of failure in it.
I'm still not convinced that generalising is possible, or even helpful. But a collection of case studies would be extremely interesting.
Best wishes,
Kim
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Dr Kim Shahabudin, FHEA, Study Adviser, Study Advice & Maths Support
1st floor Carrington Building, Whiteknights, University of Reading, RG6 6UA
• 0118 378 4236/4218 • www.reading.ac.uk/studyadvice
Winner of Student Nominated Award for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning, 2010
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From: learning development in higher education network [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Sharon Gedye [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 20 June 2011 13:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Student Variability
Do certain subjects attract certain types of students and if so what is the evidence? Is there any truth in stereotypes?
I am interested in things like differences in learning styles, expectations, goals, personality types, pastoral/emotional demands, learning difficulties etc.
Can anyone help? I would be very grateful.
Dr Sharon Gedye (PhD, FHEA). Educational Developer.
Teaching and Learning Directorate, Room 114, 3 Endsleigh Place, University of Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA
T: +44(0)1752 584 534. Email: [log in to unmask]
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