Student Success in Distance Education: Entry Level Skills and Personal Factors

Abstract

Thousands of students are entering higher distance education (DE) underprepared for the challenges they are going to have to cope with. The overarching aim of this exploratory research project is to assist decision makers and planners with the planning of student access and entry requirements – which can inform student preparation for success in higher DE, identify associated risk and increase student retention and success. The first objective was to find out if specific higher scores on certain NSC subjects are more likely to contribute to success in higher education. The second objective was to identify the personal challenges that prevent students from being successful regardless of the nature of the support they receive. The research confirmed a positive correlation between NSC English and Maths scores and success at entry level higher DE. The second part of this project highlighted the typical academic and personal problems that first time DE students experience in relation to risk of failure.