Academic success of mature students in higher education: a Portuguese case study

Susana Ambrósio; Joana Bago; Ana V. Baptista; Henrique M.A.C. Fonseca; Helena Quintas; Lucília Santos

doi:10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela9079

Academic success of mature students in higher education: a Portuguese case study

Authors

Susana Ambrósio University of Aveiro, Portugal
Joana Bago University of Aveiro, Portugal
Ana V. Baptista University of Aveiro, Portugal
Henrique M.A.C. Fonseca University of Aveiro, Portugal
Helena Quintas University of Algarve, Portugal
Lucília Santos University of Aveiro, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela9079

Keywords:

Academic success, higher education, lifelong learning, mature students

Abstract

The increasing number and diversity of non-traditional participants who are now entering Higher Education Institutions (HEI) highlights the relevance of questioning on mature students’ academic success. Thus, the purpose of this study is to characterise mature students over 23 years old (MS23) of two Portuguese HEI, and understand their academic success. The study focuses on results obtained through a case study, based on quantitative and qualitative data: questionnaires and focus groups, respectively. We discuss the influence of different variables (such as: age, gender, area of study, schooling level at the entrance to the university, family monthly income) on MS23’s academic success, and we also describe some obstacles they face and changes they perceive when attending HEI. Results seem to demonstrate a similar tendency between data gathered on both HEI. Some recommendations for HEI, based on the results, are presented in the final section of this article.

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Published

2016-04-01

How to Cite

Ambrósio, S., Bago, J., Baptista, A. V., Fonseca, H. M., Quintas, H., & Santos, L. (2016). Academic success of mature students in higher education: a Portuguese case study. European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults, 7(1), 57–73. https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela9079

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2016): Theme: Non-traditional participants in adult education and learning

Section

Thematic Paper

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