Making the Most of a Small Midwestern University: The Case of Transfer Students

Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/csj.html

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Qualitative Research; Academic Persistence; Focus Groups; College Transfer Students; Academic Achievement; Interviews; College Seniors; Student Attitudes; Student Motivation; Universities; Time Management; Sample Size; Teacher Student Relationship; Extracurricular Activities

0146-3934

Although there is a substantial literature on factors that encourage college students' success, Light's 2001 Harvard study, "Making the Most of College," represents the largest qualitative study in a highly quantitative gathering. There is little qualitative research on college-student success, especially that of transfer students. To discover how well Light's findings generalize, this research investigates a very different case, that of transfer students in a small, regional teaching university. The researchers use focus groups, individual interviews, and field notes to gather data from just under 100 seniors, a quarter of the senior class. While the research confirms many of Light's findings, some findings differ (reasons for attending, attitudes toward employment, motivation for success, college-university transition); and others nuance Light's work. (Contains 1 table.)

As Provided

20

2010

EJ872336