Undergraduate's self-formation in NGO-provided education: A comparison between first-generation and non-first-generation students in China

Thesis

This study investigates university students’ self-formation in non-formal education programs provided by NGOs, and compares the differences between first-generation and non-first-generation university students. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten first-generation and ten non-first-generation students. The participants took part in a wide variety of NGO programs on discipline-related or extracurricular topics. The findings reveal two patterns of self-formation. First-generation students were inside-out motivated for self-change, and achieved rapid transformation through constant negotiation, self-reflection and proactive practices in NGOs; while non-first-generation students were outside-in motivated and conducted progressive self-formation in participating in NGO programs. Both groups of students exercised their agency in negotiating their self-positioning, self-images and life projects with the external environment of the university, NGOs and the society. This research adds to previous studies on the roles of NGOs in the provision of higher education by presenting students’ perspectives. It also demonstrates the applicability of the self-formation theory in the context of non-formal education. In general, first-generation participants showed more activeness and a deeper level of self-formation in NGO program participation than their non-first-generation counterparts, which could possibly indicate a compensatory function of NGOs in facilitating education equity.

Authors: Jiang, Y

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-mj6bdda1x
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: first-generation university students; self-formation; HE; non-formal education; HE2024; non-first-generation-university students; student agency
• Subjects: Students; Education