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An investigation into the push and pull factors that influenced students’ decision to study at Glasgow University
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The student intake at the University of Glasgow has increased from 23,310 to 26,550 from 2006-2011 (HESA, 2011), indicating a positively inclined student decision to study at the university. The decision making process is a complex process made by the student intentionally or unintentionally (Moogan and Baron, 2003). This process is stimulated by “Push” factors related to home country and “Pull” factors related to host country (Mazzoral and Soutar, 2002). In order to understand the student market, it is necessary to have knowledge of student choice and decision making process (Vaira,
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Choice in higher education can be categorised into four theories. The structural models which explain choice on the lines of socio-economic and institutional limitations laid on students while making a decision (Kinzie et al, 2004; Gambetta, 1996; Roberts, 1984 and Ryrie, 1981). The economic theories rely on accurate calculation regarding education (Becker, 1975). The next theory lay importance on networking influence, Hodkinson et al. (1996) and Hemsley-Brown (2001) provides in-depth analysis of how important personality and judgement are in choice and decision making process. The theory by Foskett and Hemsley-Brown (2001) is concerned with three element that influence choice which are social, economic and cultural issues; influencers on choice and finally personality. Therefore the mentioned theories are very beneficial to the research as they focus on issues affecting student’s choice for higher education which can be associated to undergraduate and post-graduate students in University of Glasgow and consequently their decision making.
Factors Influencing Student Decision
Students today look out for more information to make abreast decisions which leads them to consider more factors influencing their decision (Moogan and Baron, 2003). These factors take into account the different attributes of choice decisions (Kallio, 1995). The existing research have recognized the following factors that influence student’s
Ordinarily, people are in control their actions. However, all actions and decisions are based on knowledge and experience, or, a person’s social location. Considering the article by Janice Bloom (2005), Hollowing the Promise of Higher Education: Inside the Political Economy of Access to College, many students in low socioeconomic status are not knowledgeable about their financial options with regards to accessing higher education. This lack of knowledge generates a perception of limited options which leads to uninformed decision-making. For example, Bloom explains that several students in her
First they reveal that there is not enough information available for prospective students to research possible colleges to decide if that institution would be beneficial for them (Pg.220, Para.1). They proceed to document several efforts that attempt to solve this problem, such as the College Scorecard and PayScale college rankings (Pg. 220, Para.3). However they claim that these efforts are not enough and more must be done. The authors insist that in addition to providing information, students need assistance with increasing the ROI of their college education. They suggest that colleges should work to ensure that more of their students graduate (Pg.221, Para. 3). Also, students should have help discovering how much financial aid they are eligible for, as they often underestimate the amount they could earn (Pg. 122, Para. 2). Owen and Sawhill reveal that future college students are often confused when it comes to choosing an institution and finding help to graduate and pay tuition. Therefore they use pathos to connect with their reader’s compassion for these students. Suggestions on how to assist these students are offered. Overall the argument is strengthened as the authors unveil certain needs of students through
In article, “College prepare people for life,” Freeman Hrabowski argues that “those who claim education is a waste of time are missing the bigger picture” (260). Hrabowski support his argument by contrasting the disadvantage of the college is expensive, unprepared for a world, and unmanageable debt with the benefits of most likely to be employed, strong grounding, the ability to think, get a job, and the path to limitless possibilities. The author’s purpose is to suggest “student should look carefully at the expense and anticipated grants and loans, and strong counseling to help with identifying the best possible option”, in order to state student is able to achieve desired their goal (260-261). The author writes in thoughtful in his article
According to Kaplan (2013), students’ motivation levels are easily influenced through extrinsic forces in schools. Such forces can be attributed to simple events such as prom and graduate night. It is imperative to think of various solutions to this motivational issue because students who are planning on attending a four-year postsecondary institution might be at risk on losing their admission. Furthermore, losing their admission at this stage can signify no other option than attending a community college. It is important to note that though there are plenty of benefits in attending a community college this paper will focus only on students who plan on attending a four-year postsecondary
Within the introduction, Murray states that, “More people should be going to college, not fewer. Yes and no” (Murray 235). Before he respond to his own question, he approach the problem first by looking at the big picture. He examines the statistics of the financial situations regarding college as well as the competence of potential students. Murray pointed out that students may have different intellectual level, so that they should choose course on their free will. In fact, students need to learn things other than planned curriculum, because they might be learning something that they have
Firstly, it is obvious that we are faced with decisions every day ranging from trivial to vastly important. There are different factors that can affect all of the choices people make. Some of these factors are past experience, individual differences, and the situation. The most critical of these is the situation, although it is commonly overlooked. Usually people will attribute personal
There are many of factors influencing your decision making process either in a positive or a negative way. In addition to what is already determined by your genes, according to various sources the following biological and psychological factors play an important role.
Every year, there are thousands of college students that are pushed to attend college, in the sole hope that they will be able to make a respectable living. More than half of these students will not end up completing their 4-year degree. Many students are starting to take a hard look at why they are going to pursue a college degree, to determine if a degree is really their best option. College education is changing for the better, with technical and vocational skills giving less academically inclined students an option. Another reason why students should consider other options is the cost; university boards have been some of the most corrupt and wasteful spenders in the last decade and this will only change with less demand. Finally, the strenuous process of admissions has been continuously overlooked and underestimated by thousands of future students. A traditional 4-year education, that caters to the industry of university, is no longer required to be successful in the job market, and traditional admissions can become an anachronism.
The drastic and exponential rise in college tuition and fees has thousands of Americans questioning if the education is worth the high costs. Knowing that a college education may open doors and allow for career opportunities that would not be there without a college degree, many feel pressured to attend. High school seniors specifically feel this pressure as the topic of whether or not they want to attend college and where comes into question. Not only do students have to be concerned about if the college they wish to attend has particular degrees, but also the cost of the secondary education. As a senior in high school I personally understand the frustration in considering the cost of college when choosing the right college to attend. Student
Ultimately the most crucial factor in one’s decision to go to receive a higher education should not be money based, but whether they are pursuing a career field that they at least enjoy if not love. Although it may be true for some that a higher education
In the article, “College is a Waste of Time and Money”, Caroline Bird explains why higher education is not always the right choice for students after high school. The author believes that students do not come to the decision to attend college on their own but they are expected to and pressured by parents, advisors, and society. In the beginning of the article the author argues that colleges use techniques to sell themselves just like any
Consequently, students are told that it is a justifiable choice to make sacrifices in order to attend a prestigious university. As a result, young
In the article, “College is a Waste of Time and Money”, Caroline Bird explains why higher education is not always the right choice for students after high school. The author believes that students do not come to the decision to attend college on their own but they are expected to and pressured by parents, advisors, and society. In the beginning of the article the author argues that colleges use techniques to sell themselves just like any other product on the market. They advertise what they have to offer and tell students what they want to hear. She also feels that campuses, stemming from the riots in the 1960’s, have started to
Rhoades, G. (2014). The Higher Education We Choose, Collectively: Reembodying and Repoliticizing Choice. Journal Of Higher Education, 85(6), 917-930.
One of the trade-offs that I faced before in my life is when I had to make a decision about what I want to do after high school. If I chose to further my studies, that means I would have to give up the chance to earn money and gain working experiences. When I made up my mind to continue studying, I hesitated about which university to choose because there are too many choices. For example, if I had chosen to study at local university, I would have lost the opportunity to experience the university life in foreign country. Contrarily, if I had chosen to study abroad, there would have been a bigger financial burden for my family. I had to make the wisest decision as it affects my future.