The student perspective on Maryland’s associate of arts in teaching degree

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the student perspective on Maryland’s Early Childhood Education/Special Education Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree: the factors that affected their experience, especially with the transfer process, and whether their experiences differed by institution. Viewpoints were gathered through focus groups and individual interviews of 18 community college students in their final semester before transferring and in their first semester at a Maryland university to complete their BA and teaching certification. This study reports that participants had positive feedback about their programs but agreed on the need for more practical experience, especially regarding special education content. A clear concern about online coursework in Early Childhood Education was also expressed. Factors affecting the student experience included misadvising and confusion around transfer that continued after moving to university programs. Administrators and faculty also acknowledged a number of challenges associated with advising, programming and implementation. Students highlighted differences between institutions but noted that most issues could be resolved through better communication, collaboration, and coordination. This study is important to two-year programs working to improve retention and transfer, as well as universities working to support transfer students. Further research is needed beyond Maryland on the student experience and potential solutions.