Students' Conceptions of Adaptation to Higher Education

Year: 1989

Author: Martin, Elaine, Ramsden, Paul, Bowden, John

Type of paper: Abstract refereed

Abstract:
In this paper we describe important differences in the ways in which students adapt to learning in higher education [ Begin Footnote ] ---The notion of adaptation is a complex one and one that receives some insightful discussion in the literature (see for example, Entwistle and Wilson, 1977; Miller and Parlett, 1974; Perry, 1970; Raaheim and Wankowski, 1981). In this paper we combine two criteria as indicating successful adaptation to learning at higher education level. Firstly we consider it essential for students to show that they are achieving satisfactory grades and secondly we consider it essential that students show evidence of being intellectually engaged in and satisfied by their tertiary study.--- [ End Footnote ]. We examine how the notion of adaptation itself shifts meaning for students over their first two years in higher education. We focus on those aspects of students' study experiences that appear significant in helping them to develop as effective tertiary students and we consider implications for tertiary teaching.

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