In the midst of signaled paths and closed roads: the transition between high school and university from the university first year teachers’ view

Abstract

During university admission, enrolled freshmen are still in a transition period. In this process, the diversity of experiences highlights the institution’s difficulties to deal with heterogeneous educational trajectories. Within a larger research project on freshmen year, this paper analyzes the transition from high school to university, taking into account professors ´ perspectives. From a qualitative methodological approach, empirical data was obtained from narrative interviews to professors of different colleges from the National University of Rosario. First, the theoretical approach is presented. Then, main difficulties and teachers’ challenges are analyzed in relation to transitions programs articulated between high schools and university, working conditions, academic requirements and teaching styles.