This study examines some aspects of the transition of students
from high schools to a particular college in the A.C.T.
The stimulus for the study arose from the writer's perception
of problems being experienced by beginning college students and a
concern that these were in part due to the recent restructuring of
secondary education in the A.C.T.
The study investigated a number of areas affecting the
transition experiences of students moving from high schools to
Hawker College. A comparative study was undertaken of the various
curricula of the feeder high schools and of the College. Instruments
were devised to measure student's perceptions of their transition
experiences and of their orientation to the College. Interviews
were conducted with College and high school teachers, a random
selection of parents and some ex-students. The modified American
CUES questionnaire used by Whitta in Queensland formed the basis of
a study of environmental press in the high schools and College. An
analysis was also undertaken of the nature and extent of communication
between the high schools and College.
Results indicated that for most students the transition to the
College was short and relatively smooth, although not without
problems. However 10 to 15 per cent of students, particularly
those of lower ability and low motivation, were observed to have
experienced a difficult and often prolonged transition. Problems
for students arose from a sudden increase in the amount of freedom
given them, a significant rise in teachers' expectations of their
written language skills and their lack of self-organisational skills.
On the basis of the findings certain recommendations are made
aimed at increasing the communication between teachers in high
schools and the College and at improving the orientation of students
to the College. Other recommendations are concerned with easing the
transition of students, particularly those most likely to experience
transition problems.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219362 |
| Date | January 1979 |
| Creators | Strauch, Helen M., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Teacher Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Helen M. Strauch |
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