Improving Access to Post-Secondary Education for At-Risk Populations in Hamilton

A report from the Canadian Student Alliance in 2011 indicated a critical need for improved research evidence surrounding what access programs and strategies are the most effective pathways for underrepresented populations in the achievement of access to post-secondary education opportunities (Miner, 2011).  While it is evident that there are a multitude of access programs that are readily available to at-risk populations,  

“The very fact that so many organizations are currently involved in access programs in the GTA pushes the need for coordinaton at, or very close, to the top of the priority list of what needs to be done to improve the situation” (Miner, 2011, 33).

In this research project, your team must develop a creative strategy for improving the coordination of access initiatives in Hamilton for your specifically targeted at-risk population (i.e., Aboriginal, first generation, low income, immigrant and minority students or students with disabilities).

Your research project must be between 10-12 pages in length (excluding the References and Appendices) and must include:

1. Introduction (1 page)

2. Review of Literature  (2-3 pages)

3. General Procedure (1 page)

4. Methodology (1-2 pages)

5. Results (2 pages)

6. Discussion (2 pages)

7. Conclusion (1 page)

8. References (according to APA style)

9. Appendices (if needed)

Introduction

Your introduction should state the problem you are going to address. It will likely pose the research question as well. This is sometimes referred to as identifying a gap in the disciplinary knowledge. Briefly discuss what your audience already knows about the subject. Background information such as summaries of current practices within the field, histories, and/or theories that help your reader “get up to speed” on the problem should go here. Briefly explain how you will fill this gap in the knowledge. State the principle results of the research and the principle conclusions. What did you do to get to this conclusion? The rest of the paper will discuss your findings and add to the information. Ask yourself the following questions:

· Does your clearly identify the problem or state the research question and its answer/hypothesis?

· Does it tell your reader why you will be discussing it?

· Do you establish why your audience should listen to you?

Review of Literature

This is an expanded discussion of what the discipline (your audience) already knows. This may include more developed discussions of definitions, histories, and/or theories. It may also make connections between similar research and display any contradictions that you found. It establishes for your reader that you understand the topic and that your contribution is valuable. The object of this portion of the paper is to explain the research thoroughly enough to allow your audience to understand the material without having to do any additional reading. Sometimes, students have trouble understanding the concept behind literature reviews. If this portion of the paper confuses you or you would like more information, ask your instructor.

General Procedure

Your report must include the following information:

· A description of your research observation design (i.e., your location, date and length of time spent collecting data through observation, and the number of participants)

Methodology

The methodology section should explain what you did in your research so that anyone who reads it can fully understand the process.  Preciseness and detail are essential. You must describe your methods for observing your subjects.

Consider all of the following in detail and address any of these that are appropriate for your research:

· Who did you study and why?

· What did you witness in your observations?  Describe in great detail.

· Outline how the research adheres to Tri-Council Policy Statement of Ethical Conduct Guidelines

· Were there any problems or limitations with your research methodology?