University Program to Promote Academic Adaptation and Self-Efficacy – PUP3A: Feasibility Study

Abstract

The University Program for the Promotion of Academic Adaptation and Self-Efficacy is aimed at first-year undergraduate students in Higher Education to promote and develop beliefs of self-efficacy and adaptation to the university context.  The objective of this article was to evaluate the feasibility of an interventional proposal to verify the potential for replication for future studies of efficacy and effectiveness. To evaluate the viability of the program, it was necessary to carry out a cut of the interventional proposal, three meetings were held with the themes of perspectives on professional future, development of learning resources and study habits, and establishment of interpersonal relationships. The meetings were attended by 13 first-year undergraduate students. Instruments were used to assess satisfaction, understanding and generalization of content for the participants, and monitoring of the meetings by the group coordinators. The results allowed us to identify that there was adherence/acceptability, comprehension, and generalization of content of the meetings, and satisfaction with the program and group coordinators by the participants. Among the necessary adjustments, the duration and number of meetings will be extended, including topics such as affective/emotional states in the Academic Adaptation process, verbal persuasion, and self-regulation. Introducing the proposal always in the initial period of the students and linking it to an activity that generates certification for the participants is fundamental for a greater adhesion and continuity of the studies.