Just facilitating access or dealing with diversity? Nontraditional students’ demands at a Spanish university

More and more the university institutions welcome a heterogeneous student population. In this article we analyse the main characteristics and needs of the so-called 'Non-Traditional Students' in order tocontribute to the development of more equitable conditions and improve their participat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Padilla Carmona, María Teresa, Martínez García, Inmaculada, Herrera Pastor, David
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/146093
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/146093
https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.ojs850
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Attention to diversity
Higher education
Inclusive education
Non-traditional students
Qualitative research
Descripción
Sumario:More and more the university institutions welcome a heterogeneous student population. In this article we analyse the main characteristics and needs of the so-called 'Non-Traditional Students' in order tocontribute to the development of more equitable conditions and improve their participation and holistic development. To this end, a qualitative study has been carried out at a Spanish university, which explored the experience of a diverse group of this type of student body. The results pointed out to a high level of motivation, determination and greater effort on the part of the group, in comparison with their mates. However, the traditional pedagogy was not suited to their characteristics and created difficulties for them. Few teachers were truly flexible with these students, since an egalitarian (rather than equitable) conception of pedagogical action prevailed. Among other things, we conclude by claiming a comprehensive and personalised education, adapted to their needs.