Literature Review #4

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Citation

Woosley, Sherry, and Dustin Shepler. "UNDERSTANDING THE EARLY INTEGRATION EXPERIENCES OF FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS." College Student Journal 45 (): 700-714. Print.

Summary

This study looks at the earliest experiences first generation college students have upon entering college in comparison to the experience of a regular college student.

Authors

Sherry Woosley - Director of Analytics and Research at EBI-MAP Works. She is also nationally recognized for her work in assessment and predictive analytics related to student retention

Dr. Dustin Shepler - professor at Michigan School of Professional Psychology. He also provides therapeutic services as well. While he specializes in working with teenagers and young adults, Dr. Shepler has provided therapy and assessment services to a wide range of clients from a variety of backgrounds and currently sees clients in private practice.

Key Terms

Attrition - the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.

Quotes

"Even the earliest experiences, those six weeks into the first semester or earlier, have been linked with persistence, academic performance, and likelihood of graduation (Levitz & Noel, 1989; Woosley, 2003; Woosley & Miller 2009)."(706)

"...first-generation students typically do not have the same sources of support as non-first-generation students, such as parents who understand the process of adjusting to college life (Bradbury & Mather, 2009; Terenzini et al., 1996), limited availability of college role models (York-Anderson & Bowman, 1991), and limited experience with and knowledge of college activities (York-Anderson & Bowman, 1991)."(707)

"...first-generation students find their high school curriculum was less than rigorous and that the academic expectations inherent in baccalaureate programs can be somewhat overwhelming, resulting in self-doubt."(708)

Value

This study provides me with insight into the very first moments when a first generation student steps on campus. It is here we see the most immediate effects of pre-college preparation or lack thereof. It is also one of the areas in which normal college students and first generation college students differ - which is ease of integration into the college culture. Using this information, I can observe the main reasons for this initial culture shock upon entering college.