High school-university disconnect: a complex issue in Malaysia

• Published in: International journal of educational management Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 851 - 865
• Main Authors: Terpstra-Tong, Jane Lai Yee, Ahmad, Adlina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 11-06-2018; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Academic readiness; College Students; Colleges & universities; Core curriculum; Educational administration; Focus groups; High School Graduates; Higher Education; Learning; Mathematics; Private schools; Secondary schools; Skills; Social skills; Student Needs; Studies; Thinking Skills; Transitions; Universities; University students; Malaysia; Transition; Malaysia; First-year experience; High school-university disconnect; Freshmen; University readiness
• ISSN: 0951-354X; 1758-6518
• DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-10-2016-0214

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major transition issues experienced by first-year students in Malaysia. In so doing, the authors compare the findings to those drawn from western contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a focus group method, conducting seven focus groups with a total of 35 business students.
Findings
This study identified five skills that are central to quick adaptation to university learning: independent learning, research, time management, English and critical thinking. Unlike findings in the western literature, the findings of this study do not indicate social aspect as a major adjustment issue.
Research limitations/implications
The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the study’s small sample size. To overcome this, future researchers should consider a national study using a survey-based research method. To test whether students in a relationship-based culture are less prone to challenges related to social aspects in their transitions into university, cross-national or cross-cultural studies are needed.
Practical implications
The study’s findings point to the need for Malaysia’s universities to strengthen their transition programmes, and proactively form closer relationships with high schools to help their students identify suitable courses and develop their curricula.
Originality/value
This study highlights the inadequacy of private education in bridging the gap between high schools and private university education in Malaysia. As most first-year-experience studies have used western samples, this study provides much needed data addressing the development of higher education and its relationship with the school systems of developing countries.