Dr. Freda Osei Sefa, a Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), has been awarded a University of Ghana Research Fund (UGRF) grant to conduct a study titled “Assessing the Level of Academic Resilience and Academic Self-Concept of First-Year Students in the University of Ghana.”.

The transition from senior high school to university marks a significant milestone in a student’s educational journey. During this period, institutional and social factors play an important role in shaping students’ academic experiences, either positively or negatively. In line with LECERP’s commitment to advancing evidence-based educational policy, this study seeks to examine how first-year students navigate these academic and social adjustments.

Objectives of the study

The study aims to: 

• Determine the level of academic resilience among first-year students in the University of Ghana.
• Examine the level of academic self-concept among first-year students in the University of Ghana.
• Investigate the relationship between academic resilience and academic self-concept among first-year students in the University of Ghana.
• Identify demographic factors that influence the academic resilience and academic self-concept of first-year students in the University of Ghana.
• Examine the relationship between students’ perceptions of the University of Ghana (e.g., institutional support, learning environment, and reputation) and their levels of academic resilience and academic self-concept.

The study will adopt a concurrent mixed-methods design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously to ensure depth and complementarity. A cross-sectional survey will be used to gather quantitative data, while in-depth interviews with students and staff at the University’s Careers & Counselling Directorate will provide qualitative insights.

A two-stage stratified sampling approach will guide participant selection, with a total sample of 367 students drawn from two major colleges at the University of Ghana:

• 206 students (56%) from the College of Humanities

• 161 students (44%) from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences

Outcome of the study

The findings are expected to shed light on first-year students’ levels of resilience and self-concept, highlight their perceptions of university life, and discover the kinds of support systems available to help them thrive academically. Ultimately, the study will provide valuable evidence to inform decision-making by university management, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to strengthening student success at the University of Ghana.

Dr. Freda Osei Sefa is conducting the study under the mentorship of Dr. Clement Adamba, Director of the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy.