Want To Find Highly-Engaged Students at 4-Year Colleges? Look At Transfer Students.
Nov 19, 2024
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Tim Lum, a transfer student in his 30s from a two-year college to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, shares his enlightening cultural adjustment journey. He discovers that transfer students often bring higher motivation and engagement than their straight-from-high-school peers. Benjamin Selznick, an associate professor, highlights the need for better support systems and the unique perspectives of these students. They explore how recent challenges, like the pandemic, reshape student experiences and the importance of integrating AI in education for fostering engaged learners.
Transfer students experience significant culture shock but often become more motivated and engaged in their academic pursuits than traditional students.
Universities must adapt their support strategies to meet the unique needs and strengths of adult transfer students, who bring valuable life experiences.
Deep dives
Transitioning to a Four-Year University
The experience of transitioning from a two-year college to a four-year university often presents considerable challenges and surprises for students. Tim Lum's journey from a familiar community college environment to the bustling University of Hawaii at Manoa was marked by feelings of culture shock and initial apprehension, particularly regarding his academic readiness. He described the overwhelming nature of a larger campus, likening it to Disneyland with its crowds and multitude of resources. However, he found that once he engaged in classes and participated in campus activities, the experience exceeded his expectations and reignited his excitement for learning.
The Unique Profile of Transfer Students
Transfer students, particularly those moving from two-year to four-year institutions, represent a growing demographic in higher education that defies the traditional notion of a college student. Many of these students possess considerable life experience and unique motivations stemming from their personal and professional backgrounds. Research indicates that adult transfer students are often better equipped with practical skills, which enhances their ability to navigate academic environments compared to their younger, less experienced peers. This demographic shift necessitates that universities adapt their support strategies, considering the specific needs and strengths of these students.
Engagement and Innovation Among Transfer Students
Transfer students frequently display a unique propensity for innovation and engagement that sets them apart from traditional students. Research suggests that these students might have a greater understanding of how to leverage educational opportunities, actively seeking resources, mentoring, and extracurricular activities that align with their personal goals. The motivation exhibited by transfer students is often rooted in significant decision-making and risk-taking, indicating a willingness to pursue success despite potential setbacks. Their experiences often lead them toward unexpected trajectories in innovation within their academic journeys.
Challenges of Student Engagement Post-Pandemic
The shift in student engagement observed since the pandemic poses questions about how this affects various types of students, including transfers. Although overall disengagement has risen, transfer students like Tim Lum showcase a different perspective, valuing their educational experiences and actively participating in campus life. The importance of personal investment in the educational journey is underscored by the notion that students will reap the benefits of opportunities based on their level of commitment. As new technologies such as AI emerge, students must balance leveraging these tools while maintaining meaningful engagement in their learning process.
When students transfer from community colleges to four-year universities, there’s often culture shock. But those transfers are often more motivated and engaged in the classroom than students who arrive straight from high school, experts say. Hear firsthand from a student in his 30s who recently transferred from a two-year college to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
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