Rationale

Need for a toolkit?
Several studies have shown that if you belong to an ethnic minority you are less likely to achieve as well as a white student in HE. This is a national issue. Despite controlling for other factors which are known to impact on attainment, it is seen that ethnicity is statistically significant in explaining attainment in HE. All students from minority ethnic communities are found to be less likely to achieve a better degree relative to white UK & Irish students – and this result holds at all levels of attainment (Broecke and Nicholls, 2007:17).

As a result of Aston's investigations into this attainment gap there are some emerging issues. Whilst these may be particular relevant to ethnic minority students they are likely to affect all students.

Issues include:

• the transition to the university learning environment
• lack of integration of students from different backgrounds both within and outside of the classroom
• engagement with staff
• engaging with the curriculum where this appeared, at times, to be mono-cultural.

To read about Aston University's approach click here.