Veerkrachtige Doorzetters – Een verkennend onderzoek naar de bijdrage van hogescholen aan de ontwikkeling en ondersteuning van educatieve veerkracht onder eerstejaars eerstegeneratiestudenten die tevens stapelaar zijn.

Abstract

Aim. First year first generation students coming from vocational education have a higher risk of dropping out in higher applied education (hbo). Opportunity inequality is increasing for these students. This study provides knowledge on the factors that contribute to the further development and reinforcement of the educational resilience for this target group. Insight is gained on the role of higher education institutions and how they can nourish and support educational resilience to reduce both drop-out rates and inequality of opportunities. Method. Semi-structured interviews were held with students (N=5) and educational professionals (N=5) to investigate their experiences with and visions on the role of higher education institutions. Hindering and promoting factors provide tools for higher education institutions to constitute the support of educational resilience. Results. The results show that the biggest obstacle is the uncertainty of these students about their role as hbo-student. Meaningful relationships, social cohesion, a positive future perspective, material resources, diversity in classrooms and contact with role models are hindering and promoting factors. These students indicate that they need personal attention and support in which their home situation and personal circumstances are taken into account. Discussion. Higher education institutions can use the insights from this study to guide these students in their role as hbo-student. Through an intersectional approach attention can be given to the diverse background characteristics of the students that influence their educational resilience. Students can be supported by older students as role models and by making the role expectations of hbo-students explicit.