“Getting what I want out of it!” - Students ’ perceptions of first year undergraduate achievement Nancy Luan PhD student School of Applied Science

Research design  Overall research aim  Grounded theory study- Semi-structured interview  Phenomenography study- Self reflection  Survey- Questionnaire  Data collection- Sept, 2007-Sept, 2008  Research sample

Research Findings  Meaning of FY undergraduate achievement  FY undergraduates ’ achievement making process  FY undergraduates ’ strategies for coping with difficult experience  Influential factors in FY undergraduate achievement

Meaning of FY undergraduate achievement Getting out what you want in FY HE Settling into HE Academic Achievement Social Achievement Personal Development

FY undergraduates ’ achievement making process Influential elements FY undergraduate s’ perspective on FY achievement in HE (Personal aims) Involving oneself in HE FY experience outcomes

FY undergraduates ’ strategies for coping with difficult experience  Being self-reliant “ But now I have learned that I need to like change myself and adjust myself. And be more open and try not to be shy. ” (S11) “ Just either go out or watch TV. [ … ] Yeah, have a break. After the break, I feel a bit more willing to work again. ” (S6)  Seeking external help “ If I find that I don ’ t really understand anything, then I can ask the pharmacy staff at work. [ … ] Otherwise, I can always ask my friends and see what they say and how they figure it out. And as a last resource, I can go to the lecturers or them. ” (S11)

Influential factors in FY undergraduate achivement  Support  Academic teaching  Interpersonal relationship  Accommodation  Personal academic background  Personal task value expectancy  Personal organization and time management skills  Personal habits or traits

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