Does the concept of residential college offset the effects of socioeconomic status on university students' academic performance?
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 20 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This comparative study aims to examine the role of Socio-Economic Status (SES) on the academic performance of university students who hold both the status of Residential College (RC) and non-RC. The study further investigates whether the RC is able to offset the effects of SES on students' learning performance to ensure education equity and inclusion in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Data are collected through a questionnaire given to RC and non-RC students enrolled in three public universities in China. A quasi-experimental design is implemented to investigate the potential correlation, if any, between SES, RC and academic performance.
Findings
The results reveal that SES influences academic performance of RC students. Furthermore, the findings strongly suggest that RCs negatively moderate the effect of SES on academic performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study examines RCs within a specific type of university in China, which may limit the generalizability of findings. Additionally, it uses a quasi-experimental method and relies solely on quantitative data, which may also introduce limitations.
Practical implications
Provided in this study is evidence that RCs can be an innovative way to bolster inclusive and equitable quality education for students from diverse backgrounds in China.
Originality/value
This study enriches the existing literature by exploring the relationships between RC, SES and academic performance in China. In addition, it provides significant references to whether RC can fulfill students' education equity and inclusion.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Ms. Morsheda Parvin and Mr. Phillip Thomas for their support in preparing this paper.
Citation
Gui, P.P., Alam, G.M. and Hassan, A.B. (2023), "Does the concept of residential college offset the effects of socioeconomic status on university students' academic performance?", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-07-2023-0270
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited