From Needs to Engagement: Supporting Special Enrollment Students through a College Transition Program in China

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 7: Student Learning and Development in College and Beyond

Abstract

Summer bridge programs support the post-admission development of underrepresented students, yet their effects on motivation and engagement remain understudied. This study examines a program for students admitted through China’s Special Enrollment Plan (SEP), guided by the Self-System Model of Motivational Development. Survey data from 366 SEP students at a top Chinese university (274 participants, 92 non-participants) measured relatedness, competence, autonomy, and emotional and behavioral engagement. Controlling for gender, major, and entrance exam scores, t-tests showed significantly higher scores among participants across all variables. Results provide empirical support for pre-college programs in enhancing motivation and fostering inclusive development among academically underrepresented students.

Authors

• Ruitian Lin, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Xin Gao, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Yuerong Tong, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Tingting Zhang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Shuo Feng, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Shuai Wang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University