Academic Adaptation and Achievement: A Comparative Study of Outstanding Students and Students under Academic Probation at the University of Sharjah

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the level of academic adaptation of University of Sharjah students and the variation in the level of academic adaptation in relation to the level of academic performance, specifically comparing outstanding students and those under probation. The sample of study comprised 49 male and female students under probation and 152 outstanding students who spent at least one academic year, or 30 credit hours, at the University. They responded to the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ), which they received through the University IT Centre. The results indicated that the students are well adapted personally and emotionally and had a high degree of attachment. However, students reported that they were facing difficulties of coping with academic demands and adapting to university life. The results indicated a statistically significant difference (α=0.05) between the two study groups on the personal-emotional adjustment and academic adjustment subscales, in favour of outstanding students. In addition, outstanding students scored higher on the full scale and on some items in the four subscales. However, no differences were observed between the two groups on the social adjustment and attachment subscales.