The primary purpose of the current study was to explore the nature and process of transformation as described by students in their stories of first-semester experiences and to compare these processes to those outlined in transformative learning models in order to examine the degree to which they correlate. The secondary goal was to investigate how…

The process of education is examined. It is suggested that the transition from high school to college should be dynamic, with freshmen jolted and challenged in direct ways. College is a way to fulfill a student's vocation in the present as well as prepare for a future goal. (MLW)

The transition from upper secondary to undergraduate university education in Australia is examined. It is suggested that in the student's first year of university, the year 13, increased efforts must be made to make the student aware of the dual nature of education; i.e., the acquisition of knowledge as well as social responsibility. (LBH)

Concerns about noncompletion and the quality of the 1st-year student experience have been linked to recent changes in higher education such as modularisation, increased class sizes, greater diversity in the student intake and reduced resources. Improving formative assessment and feedback processes is seen as one way of addressing academic failure,…

This monograph on learning communities and the first-year college experience presents 12 chapters which combine theory with examples of good practice and recommendations for building and sustaining effective learning communities. Following an introduction by the editor, the included chapters are: (1) "What Are Learning Communities?"…

The Winthrop College Critical Issues Symposium for freshmen is discussed, with attention to the format of the seminar, the theoretical bases, seminar goals, strategies employed, administrative and political factors, faculty development opportunities, and assessment. The symposium is designed to help freshmen become active learners, questioners,…

A course entitled "Strategies for Academic Success," conducted in the Division of Developmental Studies at the University of Georgia, is described. The sample syllabus focuses on self-awareness and can be adapted to meet the needs of other institutions. The course is designed to promote awareness and development of psychological, social,…

This textbook is designed to prepare college freshmen for their undergraduate career. Organized in 15 chapters the course introduces basic academic and study skills as well as suggestions for thinking about a career choice, and responding to the social challenges of campus life. Chapter One, "Keys to Success," discusses setting goals and the value…

Discussion of a Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) first-year seminar identifies its teaching objectives, describes class activities, and examines transcripts from the simulation of a negotiation, the course's capstone experience. Evidence suggests the students mastered information and concepts, were thinking critically about issues, had developed a…