An Investigation on Students’ Perception of Possible Factors That Affect Their Academic Performance at A University of Technology

Stephanie Caroline Samuel,Ferina Marimuthu

doi:10.5430/ijhe.v11n3p26

Stephanie Caroline Samuel, Ferina Marimuthu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v11n3p26

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Abstract

The successful completion of a module measures student performance at tertiary institutions through ascertaining predetermined pass percentages. The lack of conceptualization of content by a student, may affect the students’ academic achievement. This paper aimed to investigate students' perceptions on the factors that may impact Cost Accounting students' performance and determine if these factors have a significant association with a student’s performance. The independent variables identified were attendance, age, gender, grade 12 results and language, whilst the dependent variable was academic performance in the Cost Accounting module. Using a sample of 180 students registered for Cost Accounting II in their second year of study, the data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that student attendance has a positive impact on student performance in the module. The findings of this study may be useful to higher education institutions and academics as it highlights the factors that influence students' academic achievement.

Highlights

South African universities are characterized by relatively low success rates, compared to a desired national norm of 80 per cent
This paper investigates the association between student academic performance and attendance, age, gender, grade 12 results and language
The participants chosen for this study were students at the DUT, who were in their second year of study and were registered for Cost Accounting II in the second semester

Summary

Introduction

South African universities are characterized by relatively low success rates, compared to a desired national norm of 80 per cent. Serious concerns are highlighted about the productivity of the system and the high costs to government and institutions from poor student success rates and raise substantial equity issues. The reasons for this poor performance are complex. Early-warning systems and other methods of recognizing students who need support are inadequate. Factors affecting student success are diverse and include insufficient funding, poor living conditions, and inadequate support for academic and social adjustment to university life (DHET 2013)

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