An Insight into the challenges faced by First Year Engineering Students: Poor Foundational Knowledge

Abstract

Abstract Students find it difficult to cope up with the initial university syllabus even though it is a continuation of school. This systematic review was conducted to identify factors linked to the poor performance of students in the first few months of university. It is this issue that prompted the research into the problems faced by first year engineering students with poor substratum. To overcome this issue, the researchers came up with a proposal to implement foundation course that acts as a bridge between school and university. The study was aimed at understanding the problems and seek approval from students and teachers regarding foundation course. Using random sampling techniques, fifty (50) undergraduates from different years of university and 15 lecturers were selected from the same college. The research was conducted in a qualitative approach through personal interviews targeted to students and lecturers. Data analyses indicated the challenges faced by students such as: coping with reading materials, language barriers, becoming an active learner and adjusting to new environments. Some of the findings that emerged were related to the personality of students and lecturers, the courses taught and poor foundation. Foundation course is allocated in the first few months of college and students’ progress is monitored. This solution is to remove the problem in the long run.