Exploring the Lived Experiences of First-Generation Student-Athletes: A Phenomenological Study (65517)

Session Information: Teaching, Learning & Knowledge
Session Chair: Laurel Mitchell

Sunday, January 8, 2023 (15:55)
Session: Session 2
Room: Live-Stream F
Presentation Type:Live-Stream Presentation

All presentation times are UTC-10 (Pacific/Honolulu)

This qualitative phenomenological research study explored and examined the lived experiences of first-generation student-athletes’ motivations to achieve academic success, whether goal-setting impacted their academic success, and whether university services support their academic success. This study needed to be conducted as there was limited research relating to first-generation student-athletes. The qualitative analysis provided individual stories and experiences of 16 (12 males, four females) first-generation student-athletes from a private Midwestern university. The research site has an open-enrollment policy, and first-generation college students had never been identified or tracked prior to this study. The study's findings revealed seven themes: athletic coaches' support, relationship with faculty/program director, relationship with academic advisor, self-efficacy, scholarship, utilizing downtime, and value of academics. The research revealed what these students perceived as essential to achieving academic success. The theoretical framework used two theories: Locke's (1968) Goal-Setting of Motivation Theory focused on self-efficacy and persistence and McClelland's (1988) Need for Achievement (nAch) Theory focused on student retention, academic engagement, and goal achievement. Recommendations and future research are discussed.

Authors:
Laurel Mitchell, Bellevue University, United States


About the Presenter(s)
Dr Laurel Mitchell is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Bellevue University, United States

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Posted by Clive Staples Lewis

Last updated: 2023-02-23 23:45:00