The common thread running through the course is the analysis of failure in mass higher education and the factors associated with it, both on the student side and on the teaching side. This theme appears to be symptomatic of other dysfunctions and challenges in higher education. The choice of this theme is therefore justified by the fact that the analysis of the forms and factors of massive student failure will lead, throughout the course, to a more general questioning of the pedagogical methods used in this final stage of schooling.
The various topics covered are as follows:
PART ONE: THE UNFORGIVING WORLD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Chapter 1 The massification of student numbers (causes and educational consequences)
Chapter 2 Failure to make the transition
Chapter 3 A (too) slow democratisation of access, success and pathways
Chapter 4 Critical questions about what students actually achieve
PART TWO: FROM THE STUDENT'S POINT OF VIEW
Chapter 5 Socio-biographical and academic factors in student success
Chapter 6 Motivation to study
Chapter 7 The role of prior learning
Chapter 8 The relationship with studies (including approach and epistemic beliefs)
Chapter 9 The student's profession
PART THREE: OUTLINE OF A DIDACTIC APPROACH TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Chapter 10 Higher education (also) has the students it deserves
Chapter 11 Identifying pre-requisites and measuring pre-requisites
Chapter 12 Clarifying the learning contract
Chapter 13 Rooting learning in prior conceptions
Chapter 14 Providing support and feedback
Chapter 15 Promoting active methods
Chapter 16 Assessing learning
Chapter 17 Regulating teaching
Chapter 18 Managing large groups
