Students excelling academically: exploring academic staff members’ and students’ perspectives on exceptional academic achievement at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2019
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Abstract
Student learning and academic achievement are understood to be interactively linked to
teachers, teaching and university systems. Therefore, this study on exceptional academic
achievement among undergraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal aimed at
understanding how exceptional academic achievement occurs from both academic staff
members’ (teachers) and high achieving students’ points of view. The study was theoretically
grounded in social cognitive theory and used a qualitative method. Specifically, the researcher
used purposive and convenient sampling methods to select 14 participants for the study (i.e.,
eight academic staff members and six high achieving undergraduate students). All participants
either worked or studied in a Humanities field. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
academic staff members while a focus group discussion was held with the high achieving
students. The data collected from the participants was transcribed, and thematic analysis was
used to analyse the data. The findings from the study suggest that exceptional academic
achievement among students is highly influenced by the teaching and learning processes
(including clear communication, availability and consultation with lecturers, mentoring and
support) that takes place between academic staff members and students. The findings from the
study also highlight multiple (intrinsic and extrinsic) enhancers and barriers which influence
exceptional academic achievement outcomes amongst undergraduate students. Some central
enhancers are peer support, implementation of technology, implementation of tutors, and
internal motivation. Some key barriers are lack of space, noisy and over-crowded learning
spaces, and lack of trained tutors and practical issues with the use of technology.
Nevertheless, being consistent, hard-working and taking responsibility for their learning
enables high achieving students to overcome barriers that they experience at university.
Improvements are being made by the university and lecturers, to help students excel in their
academic outcomes by creating conducive learning environments, creating visible learning
structures for students to follow and creating curriculums to suit students’ needs. Lastly, in this
study, it was found that it is important for students to excel in their academics as it creates good
self-esteem, motivation, healthy competition, consistency and an attitude of commitment to
hard work.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.