The transition and adaptation process in Higher Education: a study with students from a school of nursing and a school of education

Abstract

The admission to Higher Education is clearly a transition period in students’ lives. The relations that students establish with their own educational institution and their involvement in its dynamics has a central role in their adaptation and academic achievement. In this sense, the integration in groups where individuals develop a sense of belonging contributes to the students' adaptation. In the context of Higher Education we can report on Academic Praxis and the Students’ Association, as these organizations usually mobilize a large number of students, thus playing a key role in the students’ adaptation. However, we should not forget or minimize the role that the institution of higher education itself must have in this process. This article presents research data collected as part of a research project on initial training of helping professionals (teachers and nurses). Two focus groups were analysed: one composed of students from a college of education and the other with students from a college of nursing. Data analysis was developed according to inductive logic., which allowed us to develop a set of ideas regarding the process of adaptation of students and their own academic experience. The similarities and differences are highlighted in the analysis as aspects to take into account in the continuity of the study.

Keywords

• educación superior
• proceso de adaptación
• educación
• enfermería
• relaciones interpersonales
• praxis académica
• asociación de estudiantes