1. 'I just think it's really awkward': transitioning to higher education and the implications for student retention
- Author
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Williams, Helen and Roberts, Nicola
- Subjects
College freshmen -- Social aspects ,College dropouts -- Evaluation ,Education - Abstract
New first-year students are vulnerable to dropping out of university because the transition into higher education (HE) is difficult to navigate. Using thematic analysis, we analysed focus groups/interview, exit interviews and qualitative survey data with university students during their first year as criminology undergraduates to explore how they transitioned into HE. Findings show that the transition to a new identity of 'university student' was hampered by feelings of awkwardness, which prevented students from fully integrating into student life. However, the subject of criminology was a protective factor because interest in the topic and wanting a degree for betterment, including for future career plans, buffered students against dropping out. We argue that subject-specific interventions may be better in supporting the retention of students and that addressing physical, social and academic awkwardness is key., Author(s): Helen Williams [sup.1] , Nicola Roberts [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.7110.7, 0000000105559901, School of Social Sciences, University of Sunderland, St. Peter's Campus, , Wearside View, SR6 0AN, Sunderland, England [...]
- Published
- 2023
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