Affective Imprints of Schooling
Website for Rachel Griffiths' doctoral research project about neurodiversity in higher education
Affective Imprints of Schooling
Website for Rachel Griffiths' doctoral research project about neurodiversity in higher education
Welcome to the Affective Imprints of Schooling website, home of information about the participatory doctoral research study about neurodiversity in higher education by Rachel Griffiths, ESRC-funded doctoral researcher in the School of Education at the University of Exeter.
This participatory project will explore how neurodivergent students in higher education experience barriers to “being” in the higher education classroom. It will use a creative “Identity Box” process to build a picture of how higher education classrooms work to include or exclude certain types of learners.
I am funded by the South West Doctoral Training Programme (SWDTP), and am collaborating with Tourettes Action and the University of Exeter’s Neurodivergent and Disabled Students Society on this project.
Over the past decade, there has been a rapid rise in neurodivergent students studying at university. When neurodivergent students are well supported and have their learning needs met, they can thrive in their studies. However, many neurodivergent students (even those who are achieving high grades in their studies) still feel that they do not belong at university, and some drop out of their studies before completing their degree.
We know quite a lot about barriers to learning caused by unmet learning support needs, but we know very little about barriers to learning caused by non-tangible things like the senses, feelings, memories and thoughts. Research shows that having negative experiences or being treated differently at school can have a lasting emotional impact. At university, this may lead to neurodivergent students thinking they are failing or feeling very aware of being different. This project aims to explore that research gap.
This website provides information about what the research project is about and why it is being undertaken. If you are interested in taking part, it gives information about what your participation will involve.
As the research project unfolds, I will post updates about developing thoughts and ideas, and invite feedback from the neurodivergent student community. You can find more information about keeping this a kind and productive space under the navigation tabs at the top.
At the end of the research project, this website will host a publicly accessible online exhibition of images from the project and interesting ideas that emerged.
If you are thinking about taking part in this research project, it is important that you understand what is involved. Use the navigation tabs at the top to find out more about the project. Please take time to read this information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.
If you have any questions for me about this research project, please do email me (rg655@exeter.ac.uk). We can organise an online chat if that would be helpful.