Do Students of Noncollege-Educated Parents Achieve Less Academically Than Students of College-Educated Parents?

1999 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos P. Zalaquett

The ethnicity, grade point average (GPA), and retention characteristics of 202 students whose parents never attended college, 244 students whose parents had some college experience, and 394 students whose parents graduated from college were examined. Analysis showed that a significantly higher percentage of minority students were first-generation students. No significant differences were found between the GPA and retention rates of first-generation students and those of the other two.

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-463
Author(s):  
Christian A. Latino ◽  
Gabriela Stegmann ◽  
Justine Radunzel ◽  
Jason D. Way ◽  
Edgar Sanchez ◽  
...  

Hispanic students are the most likely out of all racial or ethnic groups to be first-generation college students (FGCS). Hispanic FGCS have been shown to be the least likely to persist out of all racial or ethnic backgrounds. However, there is little literature on this population. To address this, the present study investigated the association of accelerated learning in high school (e.g., Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment) and financial aid on academic outcomes for Hispanic FGCS and Hispanic non-FGCS at a 4-year postsecondary institution ( n = 2,499). Hispanic FGCS fared worse in first-year grade point average (GPA) and first- to second-year retention than Hispanic non-FGCS. After controlling for academic, nonacademic, and demographic variables, results suggested that accelerated learning reduced achievement gaps in first-year GPA and financial aid reduced achievement gaps in retention rates for Hispanic FGCS. These results suggest that environmental supports (i.e., accelerated learning and financial aid) may be able to improve GPA and retention for Hispanic FGCS.


Author(s):  
Kelly H. Snyder ◽  
Virginia M. McClurg ◽  
Jiaju Wu ◽  
R. Steve McCallum

In this study, the success of 6,054 college students screened as twice-exceptional (2e; i.e., those with significantly discrepant math vs. reading scores on the ACT [formerly, American College Test] or SAT [formerly, Scholastic Aptitude Test]) was examined based on major selection and type of potential learning disability using a screening technique proposed by McCallum et al. There were no differences in high school grade point average, college grade point average, or first-year retention rates between students screened as 2e who had a major in line with their academic strength versus those who did not ( p >  .05). However, students screened as 2e based on an exceptionally high math score but a lower reading score yielded statistically significantly higher rates of retention ( p <  .05) than students screened as 2e with the reverse pattern of scores (i.e., gifted in reading with a potential learning disability in math). Implications for screening 2e students are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alma Nidia Garza ◽  
Andrew S. Fullerton

It is widely documented that first-generation college students attain bachelor’s degrees at lower rates than their peers. First-generation students also consistently prioritize distance to college in their school decision-making process. How distance impacts their educational performance, however, is an issue that has not received sufficient research attention. This study uses the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09) to investigate whether the distance between the permanent residence of first-generation students enrolled in four-year degree programs and their attending college impacts their educational attainment and grade point average (GPA). We find that first-generation students who attend colleges at a greater distance from home are more likely to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. We do not find strong support for the relationship between distance and a student’s GPA in most years of enrollment. We discuss the way college accessibility reinforces inequality within higher education along with the theoretical implications of our findings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jafeth E. Sanchez ◽  
Jennifer L. Lowman ◽  
Kathleen A. Hill

Given the major investment in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, rising postsecondary access, trends in poor persistence and retention rates, and the ongoing accountability measures in higher education, it is critical to examine factors related to postsecondary performance and persistence of GEAR UP students in comparison to their peers. College performance and persistence of 298 State GEAR UP students were compared with other first-time, first-year students (1,841) who entered a moderately selective, medium-sized public research university in Fall 2012. The GEAR UP students were more likely to be from disadvantaged, underrepresented backgrounds; despite less advantageous beginnings, they entered college with similar high school grade point average and Scholastic Assessment Test scores, though lower American College Test scores. Also, students’ first-term grade point average and credit loads served as predictors of persistence. Most importantly, GEAR UP students were just as likely to perform and persist as their peers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-130
Author(s):  
Eva Mulyani ◽  
Setya Wahyuningsih ◽  
Ike Natalliasari

AbstrakTujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Adversity quotient mahasiswa pendidikan matematika angkatan 2015 dan mengetahui ada atau tidak adanya keterkaitan antara Adversity quotient dengan Indeks Prestasi Kumulatif (IPK) mahasiswa pendidikan matematika angkatan 2015. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriftif korelatif. Menggunakan metode korelasional yang tujuannya untuk menyelidiki sejauh mana variasi pada satu variabel berkaitan dengan variabel yang lainnya. Berdasarkan hasil analsis data penelitian, bahwa tingkat Adversity quotient (AQ) mahasiswa jurusan pendidikan matematika FKIP Universitas Siliwangi angkatan 2015 secara umum berada pada kategori AQ sedang (camper). Sebesar 66% mahasiswa memiliki AQ sedang, dan umumnya memiliki IPK dengan predikat sangat memuaskan. 1 orang mahasiswa memiliki IPK dengan predikat pujian dan memiliki AQ tinggi (climber), 1 orang mahasiswa memiliki IPK dengan predikat pujian namun AQ nya berada pada kategori peralihan dari quitter ke camper, 14 orang mahasiswa memiliki IPK dengan tidak memiliki predikat namun AQ nya sedang (camper), dan 2 orang mahasiswa memiliki IPK dengan tidak memiliki predikat namun AQ nya berada pada kategori peralihan dari camper ke climber. Serta terdapat keterkaitan yang signifikan antara Adversity quotient dengan Indeks Prestasi Kumulatif. Adversity Quotient of Mathematics Education Students and Its Correlation with Their Grade Point AverageAbstractThe purpose of this research was to find out the 2015 adversity quotient of mathematics education students in academic year 2015 and find out whether there was link between Adversity quotient and the 2015 Grade Point Average (GPA) of this students or not. This research was descriptive correlative research. Using a correlational method which aims to investigate to what extent variations on one variable are related to the other variables. Based on the results of research data analysis, the level of Adversity quotient students majoring in mathematics education FKIP Siliwangi University class of 2015 in general is in the category of moderate AQ (camper). More precisely 66% of students have moderate AQ, and generally have a very satisfying GPA. One student has a GPA with a predicate of praise and has a high AQ (climber), one student has IPK with the title of praise but the AQ is in the transition category from quitter to camper, 14 students have GPA with no predicate but the AQ is camper, and two students have IPK with no predicate but the AQ is in the transition category from camper to climber. There is a significant relationship between Adversity quotient and Grade Point Average.


1969 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Pierre Canisius Kamanzi ◽  
Pierre Doray ◽  
Sylvie Bonin ◽  
Amélie Groleau ◽  
Jake Murdoch

Research in the United States shows that American first generation students (FGS) are less likely to attend university than students whose parents are college graduates (NFGS). Furthermore, those among American FGS who undertake a bachelor degree would have to overcome, throughout their college experience, obstacles related to their family’s background. Are the Canadian FGS experiencing the same educational disadvantages than their American counterparts? Using longitudinal data from Youth in Transition Survey (YITS), conducted from 2000 to 2005, this paper shows that, as seen in the American studies, Canadian FGS are less likely to attend university than NFGS. However, there is no difference in regards to academic persistence. FGS and NFGS have the same probability of obtaining a bachelor degree.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  

Low-income, first-generation college students face a host of obstacles on their journeys toward degree completion. Providing effective supports for these students as they navigate their postsecondary experiences is an important determinant of success, the implications of which can be far-reaching. The purpose of the current study discussed in this article was to examine the impact of Wyman’s Teen Leadership Program (TLP) on positive college outcomes for low-income, first-generation students pursuing higher education at Missouri State University (MSU). TLP is a community-based, postsecondary access and success program comprising three developmentally progressive phases that begin when teens are ninth graders and ends after their second year of postsecondary education. During the postsecondary phase of the program, TLP works in close partnership with higher education institutions like MSU to effectively support students through caring relationships and coordinated services. Using a mixed-methods approach, the authors analyzed the college retention rates and grade point averages (GPAs) of 39 TLP participants attending MSU and 82 comparison students with similar background characteristics. Findings revealed statistically higher retention rates and GPAs for TLP participants compared to non-participants. Focus groups were also conducted to better understand the perceptions of TLP participants (n = 15) and TLP staff members (n = 6). Using Schlossberg’s (1989) theory of marginality and mattering as a framework, the authors analyzed focus group responses, from which three overarching themes emerged: relationships, intentional experiences, and self-efficacy. The study findings suggest that postsecondary access and success programs are most effective when their curricula and program experiences are supported by strong and consistent student-adult relationships.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Connolly

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of first generation peer mentoring experiences on retention, grade point average and students’ perception of their academic and leadership development. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized a mixed methods approach. Focus groups and interviews were utilized to determine the reported leadership experiences of the mentors. Descriptive statistics were used to compare grade point averages and retention rates. Findings The study found peer mentors in residential life perceived an increase in leadership skills; including role modeling, time management, personal confidence, and problem solving. The peers were challenged in their roles, and perceived these challenges to help them to grow as leaders. When compared to their peers, the peer mentors experienced increased retention and similar grade point averages. The results indicated that peer mentoring experiences can be beneficial for the mentors who are first generation college students, even experiences that are particularly challenging. Research limitations/implications The biggest limitation to this study is the fact that this was a small sample, without a control group. A further limitation is that it was difficult to get students to participate in the study. Future research might examine peer mentoring experiences of first generation students on larger campuses or on multiple campuses to allow for a control group of first generation peers without a peer mentoring experience. Practical implications The results indicated that peer mentoring experiences can be beneficial for the mentors who are first generation college students, even experiences that are particularly challenging. Social implications Due to the potential for their success, these types of experiences should be expanded for first generation students, a group that is at a higher risk for drop out. Special attention should be paid to ongoing training in peer mentoring experiences, given the level of commitment by the mentors. Originality/value While other studies have examined the impact of peer mentoring on those that have been mentored, and a few have examined the impact of the experience on the mentors themselves this study extends the research by looking at first generation college students. This is valuable because first generation students continue to lag in their success in college and practical research on what can improve the student experience for this group is necessary.


Author(s):  
Ernest Bielinis ◽  
Lidia Bielinis

The Amoebic Self Theory is a concept of the social psychology, which postulates that humans have a psychological boundary. As the authors of the concept propose [1], the function of the boundary is to allow psychological separation of one from the others. In this study, we examined how sen-sitivity to violation of the boundary, measured by an amoebic self scale, is connected with differ-ent types of procrastination sensu lato, measured by seven procrastination subscales. Only two of the seven procrastination aspects, i.e. the preference for pressure and outcome satisfaction, were negatively and significantly related to the spatial-symbolic domain of the amoebic self scale. The other purpose of this research was to examine the connection between the students’ grade point average (GPA) and scores obtained in the procrastination subscales. Only the non-adaptive aspect of procrastination predicted significantly the GPA. That is an important detail, because pointing out the gap between one’s self-opinion and the real, non dependent of the opinion, academic achievement. All these findings were considered in the academic context and consequences of these results were discussed.


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