Developing the Resilient Learner: A Resilience Framework for Universities

Abstract

University students are confronted with multiple stressors as they navigate their way through their studies. How students respond to these stressors will determine the value and success of their university experience. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from stressful situations, has become widely recognised as a vital capability for a successful university experience. Resilience situated in an academic context is dynamic and involves the capacity of learners to adapt and develop in response to adverse situations, so they can move forward with additional capability. Universities play a key role in the development of a learner’s resilience. A conceptual framework is presented which identifies the role of the university in the development of student resilience.