Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Experiences of First-Year Pre-Service Teachers Transitioning from High School to College

Transition is crucial for every individual. All over the world, learners face several challenges in the academic field, especially concerning their transition to another level. The primary objective of this paper was to understand the transition experiences of first-year students of the Bataan Peninsula State University, Balanga Campus. This study utilized a qualitative approach and phenomenological methodology to grasp the perspectives and insights of the participants fully. This included first-year pre-service teachers under the Bachelor of Secondary Education Program. Data was collected through an online interview with the participants. Analysis was conducted through a thematic approach using the MAXQDA program, which aided in developing themes and subthemes. The study revealed that pre-service teachers experienced both positive and negative emotions, such as excitement, anxiousness, culture shock, pressure, sadness, and nervousness. Also, internal expectations include mindset and adjustment, external expectations comprise immature classmates and a new environment, while the full schedule is an academic expectation. Their academic identity covered personal skills such as discipline, academic-social balance, character, and self-confidence. Moreover, this paper highlighted the differences between high school and college learning environments, which are teaching methods comprising a teacher-centered approach, learner-centered approach, and spoon-feeding; learning experiences, particularly knowledge acquisition and independent study; high school experiences, namely spoiled in high school, and less stress in high school. Coping mechanisms employed by the pre-service teachers in managing the challenges associated with their transition featured self-improvement, specifically self-realization and physical and mental health; study skills, including study habits, reading; and time optimization, time efficiency, and time management.