University of the Witwatersrand residence students' perspectives on factors that promote or hinder academic success

Abstract

Academic attrition remains a phenomenon that riddles educational institutions world-wide. This study sought to explore perceptions of residential students on the matter; to engage them in ascertaining how they have managed to pursue their studies as well as perhaps find out what challenges the students faced which that could lead to attrition. Correlational and phenomenological research designs were used. The correlational research design was used in determining the relationship between variables measured through the study instruments. The phenomenological research design was used to explore students’ views on how they had experienced academic success thus far. This study was conducted with residential students from the University of the Witwatersrand. A total of sixty-six participants participated in this study and their ages ranged from nineteen to thirty-eight years.