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Exploring transition in HE for first and second year undergraduate psychology students: the role of expectations, personal growth and social identity in shaping experiences

Maunder, R., Mjali, S. and Cunliffe, M. (2010) Exploring transition in HE for first and second year undergraduate psychology students: the role of expectations, personal growth and social identity in shaping experiences. Paper presented to: 2nd Annual Aim Higher West Yorkshire Symposium: What is Transition?, University of Leeds, England, 16 July 2010. (Unpublished)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Abstract: The notion of transition in higher education has received much attention and as a result many institutions have invested resource into induction to try and ease students’ adaptation to university study. Inherent in this action is the assumption that students experience a notable change when starting university which may be difficult for them. We know little however about how students experience this process on an individual level. This paper therefore reports on an in-depth qualitative investigation of the experience of transition. Twelve first and second year psychology undergraduate students participated in either a focus group or semi-structured interview about their transition experiences. The data was collected by student researchers as part of an institutional bursary scheme. Thematic analysis of the data identified key themes around students’ expectations of university study; idealised notions of university life and ‘typical students’; the process and importance of establishing social relationships; perceptions of responsibility and control; and their personal journey of development and growth. Findings highlight how such detailed stories and accounts from individuals can inform our understanding of transition and facilitate appropriate institutional action
Uncontrolled Keywords: Student experience; pedagogic research; undergraduate research; transition; higher education; psychology
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF77 Study and teaching
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1050 Educational psychology
Creators: Maunder, Rachel, Mjali, S and Cunliffe, M
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date: 16 July 2010
Date Type: Presentation
Event Title: 2nd Annual Aim Higher West Yorkshire Symposium: What is Transition?
Event Dates: 16 July 2010
Event Location: University of Leeds, England
Event Type: Conference
Language: English
Status: Unpublished
Refereed: Yes
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/2734

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