Some prerequisites for access programmes that contribute to academic success in higher education

Some prerequisites for access programmes that contribute to academic success in higher education

Author: 
Shandler, Maxine
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis
Date published: 
2014
Record type: 
Region: 
Responsibility: 
Steenekamp, Karen jt. Author
Journal Title: 
Africa Education Review
Source: 
Africa Education Review, Vol. 11, Issue No. 2, 2014, pp. 201-218
Abstract: 

The balance between the cost and value of access programmes is a concern in higher education. The function of access programmes is to provide support and additional time for under-prepared students to cope with the academic workload during the first year. This article aims to indicate the value students place on participation in an access programme. In this qualitative study, group interviews were conducted and the findings indicate that Engineering students attribute their success in the mainstream to the way in which participation in an access programme had integrated them academically into the university and exposed them to discipline related experiences in a non-threatening environment. The findings of this study indicate what aspects of the access programme students considered helpful for perseverance in mainstream studies. It is recommended that institutions that offer access programmes should not only be aware of the reciprocal influence of the cognitive and non-cognitive factors that affect students' success, but also purposefully combine these factors in the design of their access programmes.

Language: 

CITATION: Shandler, Maxine. Some prerequisites for access programmes that contribute to academic success in higher education . : Taylor & Francis , 2014. Africa Education Review, Vol. 11, Issue No. 2, 2014, pp. 201-218 - Available at: https://library.au.int/some-prerequisites-access-programmes-contribute-academic-success-higher-education