An Investigation into Transfer Students’ Experiences in the Transitioning Process into a New Secondary School

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the transitioning process of students who transferred from one secondary school to another in Trinidad and Tobago, and who appeared to have difficulties adjusting to a new school environment. Data were collected on the experiences of the students, the strategies they adopted, and the effect of the transitioning process on their experiences through interviews with six students and three teachers, as well as through document analysis. The findings indicated that upon transferring, students encountered various issues which affected them both negatively and positively. Their negative experiences, however, diminished as they adjusted and found their niche in the new school environment.