using prior experience to support learning on an MA.docx

Thirteen semi-structured interviews were undertaken with students on an MA in Education programme at a small urban English university. The overarching research question was: what are the benefits and risks for students of drawing on prior experience in academic assignments? <br> Questions related to students' previous experience of academic learning, and how they responded to the pedagogical approach on the MA. This drew students' prior experience together with theory and research to engage students and promote learning. <br> The UK students came from White, African-Caribbean, African, or mixed African-Caribbean and White backgrounds. There were two Chinese students, two Canadians, one Slovakian and one US student. There was only one male participant. <br> The interviewer was the tutor on the module under discussion. Interviews took place in a small classroom on campus, and lasted between 20 and 90 minutes. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed by the interviewer. <br> BERA ethical guidelines were followed, and ethical approval was given by the host institution.