Hands' research into first-generation students and COVID-19 published

Dr. Africa Hands

During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students across the world had to transition from daily in-person classes to digital learning. While this transition was difficult for many students, the leap was sometimes even more unsettling for first-generation college students.

Dr. Africa Hands, an assistant professor in the library science program, conducted research into the assets that first-generation college students have and how they can be focused during times of transition, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is the abstract to her research and the link to the open-source article she has published.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present research on the assets of first-generation college students and offer asset-based practices that can be implemented to support students during emergency transitions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature related to first-generation college students and cultural wealth and then details practices for implementation by librarians working to enhance the transition to online learning for this student group.

Findings

The author identified in the literature six assets of first-generation college students: reflexivity, optimism, academic resilience, goal-orientation, civic-mindedness and proactivity. These assets coupled with Yosso’s concept of community cultural wealth provide a frame of reference for examining and implementing services and programs to enhance the educational experience of first-generation college students during emergency transitions.

Originality/value

Whereas existing literature on first-generation college students assumes a deficit lens, this paper puts forth the cultural assets of this population that may be leveraged by librarians. Student assets are positioned alongside forms of capital that also may be utilized to guide the work of librarians.

Read the entire publication: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ILS-04-2020-0065/full/html#sec009