'I'm excited!' Student expectations prior to starting their first year at university

Ella R Kahu; Karen J Nelson; Catherine Picton

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'I'm excited!' Student expectations prior to starting their first year at university

Conference paper

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'I'm excited!' Student expectations prior to starting their first year at university

Ella R Kahu, Karen J Nelson and Catherine Picton

2016 Student Transitions Achievement Retention and Success Handbook and Proceedings

Students, Transitions, Achievement, Retention & Success (STARS) Conference, 2016 (Perth, Australia, 29-Jun-2016–02-Jul-2016)

STARS

2016

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Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education

student expectations

university

First year student retention is an ongoing challenge in higher education and expectations are an important influence on students' adjustment. Based on interviews with 19 students before they started at a regional Australian university, this research is informed by a framework of student engagement that proposes that the student experience occurs in an educational interface, the dynamic space influenced by student and institutional factors. Four constructs manifest within the interface and influence engagement. This paper therefore explores students' emotions, self-efficacy, well-being, and belonging prior to starting university. Overall, the students have expectations of high engagement driven by two key influences: the alignment between their interests and their courses, and the relationships they expect to make. While some are nervous about what lies ahead, others are naÃ¯vely optimistic. Most know what they need from the university but seem less aware of what they need to do in order to succeed.

Details

Title: 'I'm excited!' Student expectations prior to starting their first year at university
Authors: Ella R Kahu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Karen J Nelson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Catherine Picton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: 2016 Student Transitions Achievement Retention and Success Handbook and Proceedings; 10
Conference details: Students, Transitions, Achievement, Retention & Success (STARS) Conference, 2016 (Perth, Australia, 29-Jun-2016–02-Jul-2016)
Publisher: STARS
Date published: 2016
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Student Services and Engagement; Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students)
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450312702621
Output Type: Conference paper
Research Statement: false

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