SYL: The first year of university studies the most important one

Statement 2.8.2011

The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) urges universities to pay attention to the integration of first-year students into the student community and to how they take on their studies.

Studies have shown that as much as two thirds of students’ learning is achieved during the first two years of study. Students’ experiences during their first year also have a strong impact on their subsequent studying. The significance of interaction and community for developing academic expertise has also been shown in research.

”Given this information, it is alarming that fewer than one in two students discuss their study progress, interesting scientific topics, or their plans for their future with a teacher during their first six months,” says Katri Korolainen-Virkajärvi, president of SYL.

“The role of student organisations and tutors in getting new students involved is significant. We expect universities to strengthen the role and skills of teacher tutors. It is also important to develop cooperation between teacher tutors and student tutors. If teachers appear distant, there will be no feeling of fellowship within the university community,” muses Annamaija Rönkkö, responsible for student study capacity in SYL’s executive board.

New students are, almost without exception, enthusiastic about their field of study and about embarking on university studies.

”The enthusiasm of students is a resource we should not squander, but instead encourage in every possible way. A feeling of belonging brings commitment to the goals of the community: the will to learn, to create something new, and to progress in one’s studies. A good feeling about the studies during the first year keeps students motivated also during the years to follow”, Rönkkö continues.

An important part of motivating and engaging students is to link the often demanding scientific basics taught in the first year to their implementation in one’s own field and to future knowledge demands

”Students rate the quality of the education according to the support they receive during their studies and what kind of overall experience the university has offered them,” Korolainen-Virkajärvi points out.

Additional information:
Planner Laura Heinonen (project Kyky), laura.heinonen(at)syl.fi, phone 044 309 3520

Member of the executive board Annamaija Rönkkö (student study capacity),
annamaija.ronkko(at)syl.fi, phone 044 906 5001

The following publications have been used for the statement:
Lähteenoja, S. (2010). Uusien opiskelijoiden integroituminen yliopistoon. Sosiaalipsykologinen näkökulma. The University of Helsinki.

Mäkinen, Marita & Annala, Johanna (2011). Opintoihin kiinnittyminen yliopistossa. Article in Mäkinen, Marita; Korhonen, Vesa; Annala, Johanna; Kalli, Pekka; Svärd, Päivi; Värri, Veli-Matti (ed.) Korkeajännityksiä. Kohti osallisuutta luovaa korkeakoulutusta. Painossa. Tampere: Tampere University Press.

http://www.twitter.com/SYL_FIN
http://www.facebook.com/SYL.FIN

---

---