Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Education and Teaching
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE): Implementation of the Transition Framework
Lorraine Murphy, Ruth Walsh, Gillian O’Donovan, Clodagh Caslin
ABSTRACT:
Following a previous empirical investigation and the development of a Transitions Framework aimed at breaking down barriers for learners progressing from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE), thereby promoting equality of access to education*, a survey was conducted with 450 students in an FE college, achieving a 52% response rate. Preliminary findings revealed anomalies in the progression routes for learners moving from FE to HE. The implementation of the Transitions Framework through an outreach project identified four key components (4C’s): Communication, Collaboration, Consistency, and Connectedness. Communication with learners helps bridge the knowledge gap about progression routes from FE to HE through visits to FE colleges to engage with students, meetings with stakeholders, presentations, workshops, and taster events involving learners, educators, mentors, and support staff from both FE and HE institutions. Collaboration among learners, educators, mentors, and support staff helps dismantle perceived barriers. Consistency in HE application procedure and advanced entry processes through development of user-friendly links to streamline the application process for learners. Connectedness between FE and HE providers is fostered through structured initiatives and formal relationships, with dedicated staff committed to the Framework’s objectives, moving beyond ad hoc communications. This comprehensive approach aims to facilitate smoother transitions and enhance access to higher education.
keywords: collaboration, connectedness, outreach, progression