Derivation of Benefits from Dislikes in the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) College Readiness System

Abstract: This phenomenological study employed a sequence of three interviews per student to explore the experiences of 20 students in the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) college readiness program.  Data from recorded interviews was analyzed using categorizing and connecting strategies.  Responses indicated that students varied most in their perceptions of the utility of various AVID strategies, but that students recognized they acquired skills that would serve them in the future.  Some participants indicated that they disliked specific strategies of the AVID program.  Nevertheless, findings showed that students benefitted from strategies, which they stated that they did not enjoy.