Strengths-based Indicators of Success in Hispanic Undergraduates

Abstract

By the year 2026, it is estimated that Hispanic students will make up the largest share of undergraduates enrolled in American colleges and universities. Despite increases in enrollment, this population is also one of the least likely to earn an eventual credential. Factors such as pre-college preparedness (e.g., SAT scores or high school grade point averages) and socioeconomic barriers are often cited as explanations for this attainment and persistence gap. In seeking to understand this issue, it is essential to go beyond the deficit-oriented conversation and instead shift the emphasis toward how higher education professionals can leverage students’ strengths in supporting their academic success. It is essential to delve into the factors that impact Hispanic student achievement. Using data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) study 12/14, this secondary data analysis study explores the impact of strengths-based variables such as highest credential expected, perceived likelihood of attaining a credential, level of connectedness with their institution, and gender on Hispanic students’ outcomes with regard to credential attainment and/or persistence. Results showed that while gender and level of connectedness held no significant predictive value, students’ academic self-efficacy (perceived likelihood of attaining a credential) and goal-setting (highest credential expected) did have an impact on three-year persistence and graduation rates. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.

The relationships between strengths-based teaching practices and students’ general, strengths, and academic self-efficacy

“…Schulthes and Dykeman [37] highlighted the link between family strengths and Hispanic college students' academic self-efficacy, indicating the potential of strengths-based teaching. This finding suggests that a strengths-based teaching practice, which supports college students in identifying their strengths, can potentially improve their academic self-efficacy.…”