Transition from secondary to higher education

The focus in this research theme is on transition issues from secondary to higher education (the first-year experience). Transition from high school to university is a major event in a student’s lifespan. Not only the new responsibilities a student face, like living away from home, less support from the direct family environment and being responsible for their own finances may create difficulties or cause stress, also the new culture in the academic environment to which a student has to adjust, may lead to study delay or dropout.

Adjustment is one of the major issues for first-year students. Is this a problem that has to be solved by the higher education teachers and programme developers? Or what can teachers in upper-secondary education do to stimulate students to develop their talents and to improve their skills necessary for a successful start in higher education? The first-year experience has been and is still an important issue in higher education research.

In our programme we approach this from both sides, high school as well as the first year in higher education. Research relates to student characteristics, motivation and emotions, teacher characteristics and the learning environment.

Key publications

• Brouwer, J., Jansen, E., Hofman, W., & Flache, A. (2016). Early tracking or finally leaving? Determinants of early study success in first-year university students. Research in Post-Compulsory Education
• Kamphorst, J.C., Hofman, W.H.A., Jansen, E.P.W.A., & Terlouw, C. (2015). The Effects of Prior Education and Engagement on Success in Engineering Studies: Do Female and Male Students Differ? Journal of Engineering Education, 104(2), 189– 211. DOI 10.1002/jee.20071
• Jansen, E. , André, S., & Suhre, C. (2013) Readiness and Expectations Questionnaire: a cross-cultural measurement instrument for first-year university students? Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability 25 (2) 115 – 130. Doi: 10.1007/s11092-013-9161-2.
• Jansen, E.P.W.A. & Van der Meer, J. (2012) Ready for university? A cross national study on students’ perceived preparedness for university. The Australian Educational Researcher, 39(1), 1 -16. doi 10.1007/s13384-011-0044-6
• Torenbeek, M., Jansen, E.P.W.A., & Hofman, W.H.A. (2011) How is the approach to teaching at secondary school related to first-year university achievement? School Effectiveness and School Improvement, DOI:10.1080/09243453.2011.577788