Essay: Individual Reflection on Experience
An individual reflection on the students’ experience on the Social Responsibility pathway.
For the pathway I tasked with conducting research in order to write a literature review and then convert it into a presentation to present to fellow staff members of the university involved with the widening access programs.
In semester 1 I completed task 1. In semester 2 I completed task 2 and task 3.
Task 1 – Conduct a literature review into the issues faced by the GTRSB (Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater) community in accessing higher education, particularly within a Scottish context.
Task 2 – Flesh out the previous report by selecting one or two themes to expand upon. Consider which themes might be considered as the most compelling barriers in accessing University for the group.
Consider expanding the conclusion section of the report to include recommendations to the University based on the findings (such as improvements that could be implemented, or worthwhile student support offerings that may benefit this group, etc.)
Task 3 – Prepare a presentation to be given virtually to Widening Access staff members, briefly summarising the report and highlighting the key findings and recommendations.
The essay will include:
Overview of the programme:
Roles and Responsibilities:
An overview of what you were assigned to do. Responsible for conducting my own research…
Work completed:
A more in-depth assessment of what was actually achieved. Task 1, 2, and 3.
Impact of the experience on student: development of skills and abilities, raising of awareness:
Conducting research and writing the literature review has enhanced my skills and prepped me for writing my dissertation next year. Before this I did not know much about the GTRSB communities through this I have learned a lot….
Impact of the student’s work on target groups and stakeholders:
Impact of my work has given the widening access programme and staff involved an insight into the issues these communities face and that more need to be done.
Problematic issues faced and how these were overcome:
Critical assessment of own performance:
Looking for evidence of learning and students honestly appraising what they could have done better and what they might do differently in the future
Recommendations:
What advice would you give students doing this option next year?
Which of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals did your work address? How successful was it in doing so?
Useful Background Information regarding ‘GTRSB into HE’ pledge:
In 2020, the University signed the “GTRSB into HE” pledge, founded by Bucks New University, in order to show our commitment to members of the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) communities of offering a welcome and inclusive learning environment where their culture is understood and respected. We recognise that people from GTRSB communities are under-represented within higher education, and we aim to better understand and help surmount those barriers to access.
More information on the Strathclyde website:
More general information on the GTRSB into HE Pledge:
Widening Access:
