Improving learning experiences for community college transfer hospitality and tourism students

Chan, Eric S.W.; Cheung, Kin; Ching, Shirley Siu Yin

Abstract

Previous studies have addressed the topic of community college transfer students, but very few have examined students’ learning experiences after their transfer to a university, and none have focused on the hospitality and tourism discipline. This study aimed to understand community college transfer students’ expectations of hospitality or tourism undergraduate degree programmes and assess any differences between teachers’ and students’ views of these students’ learning experiences. A qualitative study was conducted with teachers and students, using semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The study revealed that the students encounter challenges such as campus and faculty environments, gaps in their expectations, heavy study loads, teaching methods, assessment of subjects, and social and affective development. The findings also showed that the feeling of inferiority could drive some students to strive hard to achieve their academic goals. Several strategies to improve students’ learning experiences are recommended.

Citation

Chan, E. S., Cheung, K., & Ching, S. S. Y. (2021). Improving learning experiences for community college transfer hospitality and tourism students. Journal of Teaching in Travel and Tourism, 21(3), 268-289. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2021.1905136

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 14, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 13, 2021
• Publication Date: Jul 3, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism
• Print ISSN: 1531-3220
• Electronic ISSN: 1531-3239
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 268-289
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2021.1905136
• Keywords: Community college, transfer students, undergraduate programmes, hospitality and tourism, qualitative study
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3138783