Section 3: Transition                                                                                                                                              MO-AHEAD > Table of Contents > Section 3.4

 

Stress/Support and Physical Environment Differences Between High School and College

High School College
Lighter work load, slower pace, and less stress Increased work load and faster pace, more stress; Entire course completed in 16 weeks
Fewer social distractions Student experiences new and increased social pressures and new social expectations; Relationships with family and friends change
More contact with instructors Less contact with instructors
Less academic competition Less individual feedback; More academic competition
School must work with students with behavior problems Behavior problems not tolerated; Student more independent and accountable for behavior
Student given structure                                                          Student given little direction
Goal of secondary education is completion of degree Goal of post-secondary education is access to opportunities; Student expected to know what he/she wants from post-secondary education, classes, life, etc.
Live at home with family and friends for support Student may leave home where family and friends not readily available for support; Personal support network different; Student experiences increase financial responsibilities
Most high schools have one building Most colleges have several buildings and mobility is the responsibility of the student.
Home environment with set eating and sleeping pattersns Student is responsible for own meals and sleep if living away from home

~Adapted from: Claire, E. Weinstein, Karalee Johnson, Robert Malloch, Scott Ridley, and Paul Schults. Innovation Abstracts (vol. x No. 21; Sept. 30, 1988) National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD); the University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
~F. Shaw, L.C. Brinckerhoff, J. Kistler, and J.M. McGuire, 1991, Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 2, 21-26. The Postsecondary Learning Disabilities Primer, Learning Disabilities Training Project, Western Carolina University, 1989.
~Brinckerhoff, L.C., S.F. Shaw, and J.M. McGuire, 1993, Promoting Postsecondary Education for Students with Learning Disabilities.
~Vogel, S.A., Adelman, P.B. 1993. Success for College Students with Learning Disabilities

 

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