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Supporting first-generation writers in the composition classroom: Exploring the practices of the Boise State University McNair Scholars Program

Bernice M Olivas, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

First Generation students face disproportionate challenges in college. Their graduation rate is much lower than continuing generation students even though the majority of First-generation students perform at the same level as their continuing generation peers. Existing research suggests that First-generation students perceive their writing skills as lower than their peers’ skills and current composition research suggests that First-generation students struggle to develop an academic identity which contributes to their drop-out rate (Penrose 437-61). However, there is little research at the classroom level concerning First-generation students and their academic identity. This indicates a gap in composition research. This dissertation seeks to address this gap using participant observation of the Boise State University McNair program. The Boise State University McNair program is a learning community with a high rate of success with First-generation students. This dissertation argues that Boise State McNair Scholars Program faculty members focus on building academic identity among their First-generation students which contributes to their high success rates. This dissertation utilizes four years of participant observation, two as a McNair Scholar and two as a McNair writing teacher, in order to contextualize the strategies used in the Boise State McNair curriculum for a First-Year writing class.

Subject Area

Pedagogy|Education|Higher education

Recommended Citation

Olivas, Bernice M, "Supporting first-generation writers in the composition classroom: Exploring the practices of the Boise State University McNair Scholars Program" (2016). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI10246494.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI10246494

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