This research project examines the transition programmes offered by Radboud University. Transition programmes, such as masterclasses, are short-term educational interventions for secondary school students. These interventions will provide prospective students with a pre-university experience, facilitating their adjustment to the academic environment. Students can also participate in the ‘Start je studie met skills’ program in the summer right before the start of their first semester at university. These initiatives aim to prepare students for higher education, ease the transition from secondary school to university, and enhance academic success. Although transition programmes are thought to facilitate academic adjustment, the effectiveness of the interventions has not yet been studied.
The present study aims to evaluate the impact of participation in a transition program on first-year students at Radboud University. To achieve this, a questionnaire will be distributed to first-year students at Radboud University in two cohorts. Students’ academic capabilities, such as critical thinking and self-regulation, will be measured within the questionnaire. Additionally, (psycho)social outcomes will be considered, such as students’ self-efficacy and sense of belonging. Furthermore, differences in students’ academic performances will be analyzed. To complement the quantitative data, semi-structured interviews will be held with former participants of the transition programmes. These interviews will focus on students’ experiences with the transition programmes.
This research project will provide information about the effectiveness of transition programmes from secondary education to higher education. The results will show how transition programmes are related to factors important for first-year student success.