The Experiences of First Generation Students at a Higher Education Institution in the United States



Abstract

A number of factors lead to the success of first generation students who attempt to get a college degree. However, a number of studies have previously tried to gather data concerning their success rate and dropout ratios. This qualitative study has been done with the purpose to access and better understand the various social issues faced by these students. A total of 30 semi structured interviews were conducted in order to gather the data. The results are helpful to researchers as well as academicians in improving the graduation and dropout rates of first generation students.

Abstractii

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The Experiences of First Generation Students at a Higher Education Institution in the United States1

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Purpose of Study1

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW3

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY8

Research Method8

Research Instrument8

Interviews8

Field Notes9

Research Participants9

Sampling Technique9

Research Design10

Research Objectives11

Research Themes11

Theme 1: Social Barriers12

Theme 2: First Generation Students' Perspectives12

Theme 3: Persistence Levels13

Question 1: What were the major social barriers that were faced by first generation students?13

Hypothesis 113

Data Collection14

Expected Outcome14

Question 2: What effect do these barriers have on the perspectives of first generation students?14

Hypothesis 2:14

Data Collection14

Expected Outcome15

Question 3: What is the collective impact of the barriers and experiences of first generation students on their persistence levels?15

Hypothesis 3:15

Data Collection15

Expected Outcome16

Target Audience16

Data Collection16

Validity and Reliability17

Ethical Considerations17

CHAPTER 04: CONCLUSION18

Summary of Expected Outcomes18

Limitations20

Practical Implications20

Recommendations20

References21

APPENDIX25

In-depth Interview Questions25

The Experiences of First Generation Students at a Higher Education Institution in the United States

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

The student body in American higher education is increasingly becoming diverse, due to students coming from all kinds of demographic population segments. A lot of research has been conducted that is supportive of the empirical data that proves this fact (Hodgkinson, 1985; Terenzini & Pascarella, 1998; Rendon & Hope, 1996; Choy, 2001). One of the many reasons that contribute towards this increasingly diverse ratio is percentage of first generation students that have been coming in over the years.

As per the definition provided by the Education department of the United States, first generation students are those who happen to be the pioneers amongst their forefathers and ancestors to receive a college or graduate degree/education (Smith et al., 1997). The significance of accessing and reviewing the experiences of first generation students cannot be denied, more so, since they constitute such a large proportion of the current American high school student body.

Purpose of Study

This research plan aims to propose a study that would analyze the experiences of first generation students who aim to attain education beyond the high school level. It has become essential to analyze this factor in precise detail, as it would help in developing a comprehensive understanding of the various difficulties these students face by attempting to step ahead of their families' academic achievements; the familial and various economic constraints that they face and cope up with, the extra effort they have to invest in for fitting into the student body and getting along with an entirely different culture.

The main purpose of this paper is to gain an insight into the different problems that are ...