scholarly journals The ‘Double Transition’ for First-Year Students: Understanding the Impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’s First-Year University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-92
Author(s):  
Annsilla Nyar
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Student Transition ◽  
Double Transition ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Cycle ◽  
Special Category ◽  
First Year Student

While all students are affected by the advent of the Covid‑19 pandemic, the first‑year student population remains a special category of vulnerability for higher education. This is on account of the way the Covid‑19 pandemic has disrupted their transition into university and complicated the nature of their entry into and through the formal academic cycle. This article uses the notion of a ‘double transition’ as a framework for positioning and locating the first‑year student transition within the context of the prevailing Covid‑19 pandemic. ‘Double transition’ refers to an additional transition coupled with that of the first‑year transition, with regard to the extraordinary situation of students navigating their entry into the unfamiliar terrain of academia while simultaneously navigating the Covid‑19 pandemic. The article provides a circumscribed summary of the effects of Covid‑19 on university students and looks to describe and explain the nature and shape of first‑year transitions in relation to the transition necessitated by the Covid‑19 pandemic. It concludes with four key strategies for supporting first‑year students as the pandemic continues.

scholarly journals Motor skills as a predictor of academic performance | La aptitud motriz como predictor del rendimiento académico

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (28) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
José Eduardo Molina Arriola ◽  
Victor Osiris Rodriguez Cervantes ◽  
Julio Cesar Lozano Flores ◽  
Luis Quintana Rivera ◽  
José Moncada Jimenez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
University Students ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
First Year ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
First Year University ◽  
Estudiantes Universitarios

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la asociación entre la aptitud motriz de estudiantes universitarios de primer ingreso y su desempeño académico en los dos periodos lectivos de inicio de la carrera de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación. Participaron 83 voluntarios (Hombres = 60, Mujeres = 23) de la Universidad Veracruzana, México. La aptitud motriz se evaluó con ocho pruebas y el rendimiento académico se midió con el promedio ponderado de dos periodos consecutivos. Los análisis de regresión múltiple mostraron que el salto sin carrera (modelo 1), y gimnasia y encestes de baloncesto (modelo 2) predicen el rendimiento académico. En conclusión, la aptitud motriz predice parcialmente el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de primer ingreso.AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the association between the motor skills of first-year university students and their academic performance in the two initial academic terms of the Physical Education, Sports and Recreation degree. Eighty-three volunteers participated (Men = 60, Women = 23) from the Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. Motor skills were evaluated with eight tests and academic performance was measured with the weighted average of two consecutive terms. Multiple regression analyses showed that standing jumping (model 1), and gymnastics and effective basketball throws (model 2) predicted academic performance. In conclusion, motor skills partially predict academic performance in first-year students

The impact of self-efficacy on first onset and prognosis of major depressive disorder: findings from a longitudinal study in a sample of Chinese first-year university students

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
JianLi Wang ◽  
Debiao Liu ◽  
Guoling Li ◽  
Jin Zhu ◽  
Song Yue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
University Students ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
First Onset ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Self-efficacy is a pivotal factor in the etiology and prognosis of major depression. However, longitudinal studies on the relationship between self-efficacy and major depressive disorder (MDD) are scarce. The objectives were to investigate: (1) the associations between self-efficacy and the 1-year and 2-year risks of first onset of MDD and (2) the associations between self-efficacy and the 1-year and 2-year risks of the persistence/recurrence of MDD, in a sample of first-year university students. Methods We followed 8079 first-year university students for 2 years from April 2018 to October 2020. MDD was ascertained by the Chinese version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-3.0) based on self-report. Self-efficacy was measured by the 10-item General Self-efficacy (GSE) scale. Random effect logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the associations. Results Among participants without a lifetime MDD, the data showed that participants with high baseline GSE scores were associated with a higher risk of first onset of MDD over 2 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.08]. Among those with a lifetime MDD, participants with high baseline GSE scores were less likely to have had a MDD over 2 years (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.99) compared to others. Conclusions A high level of GSE may be protective of the risk of persistent or recurrent MDD. More longitudinal studies in university students are needed to further investigate the impact of GSE on the first onset of MDD.

scholarly journals The Impact of High School Program Reform on First-Year University Students’ Academic Performance. Case Study: Biology

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Mimoza Milo ◽  
Anila Paparisto ◽  
Flamur Bidaj ◽  
Fatmira Shehu
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
University Students ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Academic Preparation ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Students Success

The student transition from high school to university is a complex process in which various factors operate. One of these factors is the degree of the students’ academic preparation in certain subjects. This article analyzes the impact of this factor on the students’ success in the first year of university studies, in the conditions when the subject program in high school has been reformed. This impact on the students’ success, which is expressed both in the degree of academic preparation and in the students’ attitude in the relevant subject, has been assessed employing statistical analysis. The analysis covers a period of 3 years (2017-2020), and is based on a sample of first year students of the Bachelor degree in Biology. The results of the questionnaire, conducted with first year university students, show the impact of their high school academic preparation on the success they have in the first year of university. This success is measured by assessing the change in average grade and their pass rates. Evidence of the impact of this factor in teaching has helped to know in detail these intermediate phases of this process. The built model makes it possible to analyze the impact of the high school curriculum reform on the students’ success, creating the opportunity for further improvements. Despite the fact that the object of the study is the Biology curriculum and the evaluation of the impact in academic success of students who graduated from high schools where a competence based curriculum was implemented, this methodology can be used for the study in other subjects, especially life sciences.

scholarly journals Substantiation of the Impact of Fitball Gymnastics and Fitness Yoga Activities on the Health Level of University Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
E.K. Gilfanova ◽  
T.B. Gorbatenko ◽  
O.Yu. Sharova
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
First Year ◽  
Recreational Facilities ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Health Level ◽  
Pedagogical Research ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The article considers the possibility of using non-traditional recreational facilities in the educational process with university students. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the developed methodology for fitball gymnastics and fitness yoga on the health level of students. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: theoretically substantiate the proposed methodology of classes; identify and conduct a comparative analysis of adaptive potential according to the method of R.M. Baevsky and the level of the functional state of first-year students during an experimental study. Scientific novelty lies in the expansion of theoretical and practical approaches to physical education at the university. The positive impact of the proposed teaching methods on the level of functional readiness of first-year students is substantiated and experimentally proved. To improve the methodology, a set of methods was used: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, the method of pedagogical research, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics.

scholarly journals Peculiarities of the First Year University Students’ Motivation for Learning in Samples of Riga and Smolensk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Jermolajeva ◽  
◽  
Svetlana Silchenkova ◽  
Larissa Turusheva ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Education ◽  
International Study ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Psychological Climate ◽  
First Year ◽  
Educational Strategies ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

The demand for tertiary education among young people is growing worldwide. However, in the first months of the studies, freshmen face increasing difficulties, which sometimes negatively affect their learning motivation. For the successful pedagogical process, teachers need to study the motivation of students of the first study year, monitor it and take into account its peculiarities while developing learning materials and choosing educational strategies. The article presents the results of an international study of freshmen’s motivation. The study aim to compare the motivation of the first-year students at the universities of Riga and Smolensk, to identify prevailing motives and to assess the impact of the psychological atmosphere in the student group on their motivation. In the survey carried out in December 2019, 129 students from two universities in Riga (Latvia) and Smolensk (Russia) participated. The tools for collecting information were the technique of diagnostics of learning motivation by 7 content scales and the technique of measuring the psychological climate in the collective by 10 bipolar scales. For data processing, descriptive statistics, analysis of statistical indicators, and Spearman correlation analysis were used. In both national samples, professional motives for learning prevail over other motives, while prestige motives and avoidance motives take the penultimate and last place relatively. The importance of other groups of learning motives is assessed somewhat differently. For the Smolensk sample of students it was found out that their motivation to learn depends on the psychological atmosphere in the group, especially on the overall atmosphere of success in the group. However a similar correlation has not been revealed in the survey of the Riga sample of students. The study shows that a few months after the start of studying, the first-year students’ overall motivation has not dropped below the critical level. However, for more successful training, it could and should be improved. Some ways to increase freshmen’s motivation for learning are proposed in the article.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Web-Based Mindfulness, Nutrition and Fitness Platform on the Health Status of First-Year University Students: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire F Trottier ◽  
Jessica RL Lieffers ◽  
Steven T Johnson ◽  
João F Mota ◽  
Roshni K Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND First-year university students are at increased risk for presenting with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and poor nutritional status. Self-care plays an essential role in optimizing mental health and can prevent/treat stress, anxiety and depression. Web-based self-monitoring of diet and physical activity can lead to similar or improved health outcomes compared to conventional methods. Such tools are also popular among university students. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this 12-week randomized control trial was to assess the impact of a web-based wellness platform on perceived stress among first-year university students. The study’s secondary outcome was to assess the effects of the platform on diet quality and exploratory outcomes were body composition, health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity. METHODS Ninety-seven first-year undergraduate students were randomized to either the intervention (n=48) or control (n=49) group. The intervention consisted of access to a web-based platform called My Viva Plan® (MVP) which aims to support healthy living on the topics of mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness. The platform is fully automated and is guided by principals of cognitive behavior theory. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to use MVP as frequently as possible over 12 weeks. The control group did not receive access to MVP. Perceived stress was assessed using the Stress Indicators Questionnaire at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Three day food records were used to analyze dietary intake at baseline and week 12. Health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 6 and week 12 and body composition was assessed at baseline and week 12. Study assessments were completed in-person at baseline and week 12 and electronically at week 6. RESULTS Study recruitment started in August 2018 with batch enrollment for students registered in the fall (September 2018 to December 2018) and winter (January 2019 to April 2019) academic terms at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Eighty participants completed the 12-week trial (n=35 in the intervention group; n=45 in the control group). All data collection ended in May 2019. CONCLUSIONS This project is the first to explore the impact of an online platform designed to promote health and wellness; it will also shed light into its applicability in first-year university students. If successful, this may become an important health care tool for preventative care in first year university students. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03579264

scholarly journals Community, Connections and Innovation in Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-168
Author(s):  
Sandra Healy ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
First Year ◽  
Academic English ◽  
Community Connections ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

The emergence of the Covid-19 virus had an enormous impact on all of our lives and significantly affected the lives of first-year university students in Japan who began their tertiary education during the initial lockdown. This chapter examines the impact the move online had on these students by analysing videos created by them as part of their academic English as a Foreign Language (EFL) coursework. The videos were analysed, and 12 themes emerged which were used as a foundation for new practices focusing on the development of community and connections in online courses, particularly the use of e-mentors.

scholarly journals University students’ social interaction type specifics in the learning process

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 00093
Author(s):  
Olga Rodina ◽  
Liubov Gladkova ◽  
Olga Selivanova
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
University Students ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
First Year ◽  
Interaction Type ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
First Year University

The author highlights the importance of human social interaction in training university students.The paper presents an overview of the conceptual aspects of social interaction in scientific research.Based on theoretical approaches to the definition of social interaction, the paper defines “social interaction” in the context of the classroom activities.The aim of the paper is to investigate and define the first-year university students’ interaction specifics in the learning process.The experiment involved 118 students from the Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Production.On the basis of K.Thomas-Kilmann’s test questionnaire focused on determining a leading interaction type in conflict situations, social interaction type specifics of the first-year students of technical specialties were determined and described.

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