Title: Learning: the educational journey from high school to college for first
generation college students, minority students, and low income students.
Author: Angela Derk
Affiliation: West Virginia University McNair Scholars Program
The traditional college population is slowly redefining in American classrooms to
comprise a diverse range of students. Student diversity is apparent in many
regards including racial identity, age, and the increase of students that are the
first in their family to attend college. Teachers need to embrace new pedagogical
methods which allow for the contributions of all students. This study conducted
an online survey with McNair scholars from West Virginia University to discover
how they felt about their experience and transition from high school to
undergraduate students. Of the student’s surveyed, 61% were first generation
college students, at least 39% were minorities, and 61% lived off of less than
$10,000.00/year as an undergraduate student. The literature review that
accompanies this study looks at educational issues that confront minority
students, first generation college students, and students from low-income
backgrounds. Guided by the educational philosophy of Paulo Freire this paper
and study seeks to hear the voices of students regarding pedagogical practice.