Academic flexibility and support for student-athletes: An Australian perspective on university teaching staff perceptions. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: English, Peter; Fleischman, David; Kean, Bridie; Stevenson, Tania; Broome, Kieran; Cury, Rubiana
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of sports & athletes in education. Volume 16:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Student-athletes -- dual-careers -- high-performance sport -- academic success; Athletes -- Education (Higher) -- Periodicals; College sports -- United States -- Periodicals; College athletes -- Education -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 796.04305
• DOI: 10.1080/19357397.2022.2026111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-7397

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Perspectives of teaching staff on the provision of flexibility for student-athletes are relatively unknown but are a vital element to understand when educating student-athletes. Flexibility is among the academic services often provided to athletes pursuing a dual-pathway. This study aims to investigate teaching staff perceptions on academic support services designed specifically for student-athletes. Utilizing an exploratory approach, it targets the case of one Australian university that has an agenda to support and foster student-athlete academic success. It utilizes an open-ended survey to explore teaching staff perceptions on their ability and willingness to provide learning and teaching support. Seventy-seven educators completed the survey, and the data were examined using both thematic and automated text analysis. There were varying degrees of support regarding flexibility and special considerations for student-athletes. The findings showed that developments in blended learning capability and better internal communication among university management, academics and student-athletes could facilitate improvements in student-athlete support.