Ideal Student: Deconstructing Expectations in Higher Education

The Ideal Student is a book that explores the concept of the 'ideal student' in higher education, aiming to promote a more transparent conversation about the explicit, implicit, and idealistic expectations of university students. It addresses concerns that implicit rules or unspoken practices can result in diverse but patterned student experiences, widening social inequalities. The book provides students with a better understanding of what is valued, expected, and rewarded at university and offers insights into the perception of whom and what the ideal student is. It is written for a general audience and will be of particular interest to those working or studying in higher education, staff, students, and senior leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 05 May 2021
Publisher: Open University Press

The book explores the concept of the 'ideal student' in the context of higher education, aiming to promote a more transparent and inclusive conversation about the explicit, implicit, and idealistic expectations of university students. It addresses concerns that implicit rules or unspoken practices can lead to diverse but patterned student experiences, widening social inequalities. The concept of the ideal student can help students, especially those less familiar or confident with higher education, understand what is valued, expected, and rewarded at university. With increasing student diversity, there is a pressing need for greater openness and awareness of the different expectations and ideals of students.

The book delves into key questions such as how the ideal student is imagined and envisioned, to what extent these constructions are realistic and achievable, whether certain students are more likely to aspire, identify, or embody these ideal characteristics, and whether there are any features of the ideal student that are widely shared and recognized. It also examines how people from different social backgrounds construct their ideal student and how staff can support students to develop desirable characteristics for university.

The Ideal Student is written for a general audience, particularly those working or studying in higher education, including staff, students, and senior leaders. It provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the nuances of being a university student, making it valuable for HE practitioners, students, and researchers who seek to create more inclusive learning environments.

Overall, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of higher education by promoting a deeper understanding of the ideal student and its implications for student experiences, social equality, and academic success.

Weight: 315g
Dimension: 230 x 150 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780335249251