Annotated Bibliography on First-generation Students: What the Research Tells Us

Over the past few decades, research on first-generation college students has increased, but what have these studies contributed to our understanding of the backgrounds, needs, and desires of those who are first in their families to graduate from college? This live briefing will highlight findings from the recently published An Annotated Bibliography on First-generation College Students: Research from 2008-2019  and include a discussion of where the field of study should go next to improve the support of first-generation college students. The annotated bibliography examines hundreds of entries, placing each into chapters centering on eleven different topics including career readiness; intersections of identity; mass media and popular culture; memoirs and fiction; parents and families; and social and cultural capital (among others). 

Among the topics for discussion will be what themes the co-authors found most problematic and most promising; the impact that deficit framing of research has had on understanding first-generation college students; and potential future directions for research on first-generation students that are more equitable, inclusive, and strengths-based. Participants will also learn how mass media and popular culture have portrayed first-generation college students during the last decade as well as how they can use the annotated bibliography to further support students on their campuses.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• identify recent trends in scholarship on first-generation college students;
• discuss opportunities for additional areas of research; and
• determine strategies for using the annotated bibliography to further their understanding and support of first-generation college students.