One of the features of the Starting School Research Project (Perry, Dockett & Howard, 2000) has been the study of multiple experiences of the transition to school. An ecological model of transition highlights the significance of context and the ways in which context influences experiences and is influenced by the participants in these experiences.…

Themes of security and opportunity are readily apparent in descriptions of programs designed to assist new students with their college transition; yet it seems that anxiety and, to some extent, fear are even more prevalent in the messages communicated to new students as they embark on their collegiate career. All college and university students…

Provides a rationale for the development of courses for freshmen that are designed to help them achieve the most benefit from their college experience. Discusses course goals, format, credit, grading, content, enrollment, and evaluation. (JAC)

We explore immigrant students' experience of schooling focusing on Yang Yang and his family. We present insights into immigrant Chinese educational experience in Canada and bring forward a narrative-inquiry framework for the study of student experience. We find that--contrary to some of the expectations of Chinese immigrants--family relations,…

This paper reviews literature related to the international student population found in universities and colleges in the United States (U.S.). More specifically, adjustment issues, common stressors, and coping strategies of international students are explored. Multicultural counseling issues and the help-seeking behavior of international students…

Bottom Line was founded in 1997 to help disadvantaged Boston students get into college, graduate from college and go far in life. In its first year, it supported 25 students through the college admissions process. This year, it is helping more than 350 Boston high school seniors from the class of 2006 to get into college and providing support to…

To help transfer students adjust more readily to new schools, several activities are advised, including a guided buddy system, a counseling plan, and teacher introductions--all based on information gleaned from a new student checklist. (MLH)

Friendships serve as a secure base and buffer that help adolescents to cope with the psychological challenges of the social ecology of high school. Through these relationships, adolescents develop a stronger sense of belonging to their schools.

In this article, the author presents the story of a teacher struggling to help one of her students who is constantly clinging to her. The author provides several tips for teachers on how they can deal with anxious children. If the teacher has an aid, she could consider sending the assistant out to the playground with the group for a while, the…

Variable--and person--focused approaches were applied to study the resilient outcomes of 326 Greek male and female 1st year university students at a major educational transition point. Results indicated that resilience was related to both cognitive and behavioural psychosocial resources in late adolescence. Locus of control emerged as an important…

A growing body of research suggests that minority college students' race and ethnicity affect their academic performance. Some researchers say subtle factors, like fears of not fitting in or perceptions that professors have low expectations of them, may hinder the progress of today's nonwhite students more than blatant discrimination does.…

Several studies have emphasised the importance of addressing social and emotional factors in facilitating adjustment to tertiary education. This article describes the Skills for Success in Science programme at the University of Cape Town. The broad aims were life skills development and improved adjustment which are assumed to underpin academic…

An activity was developed to help mainstreamed, hearing-impaired adolescents discuss their feelings and concerns with each other during scheduled, small-group counseling sessions in school. The question-and-answer activity uses a game format to encourage students to open up about their problems and fears and give each other support and advice. (VW)

Outlines a successful high school orientation program using volunteer upperclass students to acclimate new students. (MD)

Describes a structure group approach designed to help college students prevent or combat the burnout phenomenon. Defines the facilitator role and outlines the group process including relaxation, time management, and understanding and combatting unrealistic expectations. (JAC)