%0 Journal Article
%T Using Student Drawings to Understand the First
%A Michele C. Everett
%J Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice
%@ 1541-4167
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1521025117696824
%X This article reports on an exploratory study that investigated the use of student drawings as a visual research method to understand the first-year experience. A total of 31 undeclared students enrolled in a first-year seminar participated in the study. Data generated from pre- and postdrawings of students¡¯ first semester paths were analyzed to identify emergent themes and understand experience at the group and individual levels. Findings provide novel insights about the first-year experience from the student¡¯s perspective. These new understandings have important implications that may help institutions shape and strengthen retention efforts at the student, classroom, and program levels
%K visual research methods
%K student drawings
%K first-year experience
%K retention
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1521025117696824