Academic Ability Development for Academic Master’s Students: Predicaments and Pathways

Abstract

The development of academic ability is an integral component of the all-encompassing growth of academic master’s students and the cultivation of talent in higher education. Nevertheless, the current developmental trajectory of academic ability among academic master’s students is beset by numerous challenges. This study, grounded in the perspective of symbolic interactionism and employing a qualitative research methodology, examines the development of academic ability. Sixteen academic master’s students from the Faculty of Education at Beijing Normal University serve as case subjects. The research reveals that, during the development of academic ability, academic master’s students establish a system of meaning comprehension involving pinpointing, orienting, and positioning. This system is founded on their perceptions and understanding of the essence and attainability of academic ability, the chain of meaning related to the purpose of academic pursuits or the benefits they yield, and the assessment system they use to judge their suitability for academic endeavors. Building upon these findings, this study elucidates potential pathways to overcome these predicaments, considering both academic self-help and academic scaffolding.