The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine the motivational factors behind Black students' decisions to attend either a historically Black college/university (HBCU) or a predominantly white institution (PWI) when applying to both institutional systems. The study sample included 24 total participants: 12 first-year students from an HBCU…

Although reading homework is common in university courses, compliance rates vary. Using interviews, this study explored how five students responded to reading assignments in their introductory college mathematics classes and how they viewed reading and reading-related activities relative to their academic successes. Qualitative content analysis of…

Background: For engineers who aim to address sustainability challenges, participating in transdisciplinary teams is key. Yet developing transdisciplinary knowledge, including systems thinking, metacognition, and empathic thinking, is not well supported in traditional engineering programs. Purpose: The extent to which selected learning activities…

One of the present challenges confronting American society is the need for more equitable access to education and career opportunities. Every year, many first-year college students need more academic skills. Community colleges' open admission processes and low tuition rates offer viable choices for people seeking higher education (Dougherty &…

Emotional contagion is an intriguing subject in many academic fields, and it is also relevant in collaborative learning where learners share a physical or virtual space. We aimed at exploring the possibilities of motivating, fascinating, and experiential elements of virtual reality (VR) in a collaborative learning context, with a focus on…

Purpose: This study aimed to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the digital literacy skills possessed by first-year students and how they impact students' participation in online classes. Design/methodology/approach: This research was conducted using a quantitative method to investigate first-year students' digital literacy and its effect on…

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were adopted by most states in the United States to improve academic rigor, which in turn is believed to better prepare graduating high school students for college and careers. Yet, it is not as well understood whether CCSS Initiative-aligned instruction potentially better prepares all students, thereby availing…

Despite many theories on student success as well as many resources to help students make the transition from high school to college, many students do not persist in or graduate from college. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide insight into what takes place when students leave P-12 institutions and enter institutions of higher education…

Starting university is challenging. Students require resilience to face the inevitable challenges of university life, yet many may not be equipped with the strategies they need. In this research, we explored changes in resilience following the delivery of a resilience building module within a core first-year university course. Psychology students…

Interest in college students' adjustment is rising along with the expansion of the well-being trend. In particular, when individuals first enter a university, they are under stress and experience various challenges due to the new environment and tasks. While participating in and spectating sports provide numerous benefits at individual,…

The widespread use of ICT offers considerable opportunities to society. However, there is ample evidence that students are exposed to various e-Safety challenges and risks through the use of ICT. Most Zimbabwean students who are not adequately prepared for e-Safety are now entering universities and are thus exposed to the risks posed by ICT.…

Retention concerns remain high for postsecondary institutions and even more so when focusing on populations such as those who are the first in the family to attend college, first-generation college students. First-generation students account for 34% of the collegiate population, yet 40% of first-generation students do not return for their…

The concept of "like dissolves like" is explored using a solvent extraction demonstration appropriate for first-year chemistry students. Equal volumes of aqueous methyl red and blue copper(II) sulfate form a purple solution. 1-Pentanol is added and floats on top as a clear layer due to its lower density and low water solubility. Vigorous…

Background: The demand for engineers in the workforce continues to rise, which requires increased retention and degree completion at the undergraduate level. Engineering educators need to better understand opportunities to retain students in engineering majors. A strong sense of belonging in engineering represents one important contributor to…

The transition from high school to university often amounts to a muddled process, making it both an exciting and challenging time for many undergraduate students. Integrating both academically and socially is key in this respect. Social support from peers and teaching staff, but also from family and friends, can have a decisive impact. A learning…