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First-generation college students: Characteristics, experiences, and cognitive development

Research in Higher Education volume 37, pages 1–22 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

This study sought answers to three questions: (1) Do the precollege characteristics of first-generation students differ from those of traditional students? (2) Do first-generation students' college experiences differ from those of other students? (3) What are the educational consequences of any differences on first-year gains in students' reading, math, and critical thinking abilities? Answers come from 2,685 students (825 first-generation and 1,860 traditional students) who entered 23 diverse institutions nationwide in Fall 1992 and who completed one year of study. First-generation students differ from their traditional peers in both entering characteristics and college experiences. Although traditional students make greater net gains in reading during their first year, the two groups gain to about the same degree in math and critical thinking skills. Those gains, however, appear to result from somewhat different experiences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor and Associate Director, National Center on Postsecondary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (NCTLA), The Pennsylvania State University, 403 South Allen St., Suite 104, 16801-5252, University Park, PA, USA

    Patrick T. Terenzini

  2. Research Assistant, Research Assistant, NCTLA—The Pennsylvania State University, USA

    Leonard Springer & Patricia M. Yaeger

  3. Professor and Director, Associate Professor and Associate Director, National Study of Student Learning, NCTLA—University of Illinois, Chicago, USA

    Ernest T. Pascarella & Amaury Nora

Authors
  1. Patrick T. Terenzini
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  2. Leonard Springer
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  3. Patricia M. Yaeger
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  4. Ernest T. Pascarella
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  5. Amaury Nora
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Terenzini, P.T., Springer, L., Yaeger, P.M. et al. First-generation college students: Characteristics, experiences, and cognitive development. Res High Educ 37, 1–22 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01680039

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01680039

Keywords

  • College Student
  • Critical Thinking
  • Education Research
  • Cognitive Development
  • Thinking Skill