What Does It Take to Succeed? Student Perceptions of College Success

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual Poster Session: Division J - Postsecondary Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

The authors aimed to increase understanding of what higher education student success means to students themselves, both in different contexts (success in school and after graduation) as well as from different perspectives (their own descriptions and the descriptions they believe their professors hold). The findings from this pilot study suggest that students consider what makes a successful student differently in different contexts and from different perspectives. Students predominately define success using socioemotional behaviors and traits. Interestingly, students viewed professors as valuing more academic focused behaviors compared to what they, the students, valued. In terms of what makes a successful post-graduate, students tended to mention more concrete or general state outcomes compared to when describing success while enrolled.

Authors

• Jennifer Bochenek, Educational Testing Service
  Presenting Author

• Chelsea Ezzo
  Presenting Author