Many first-year students studying through the open university system struggle with the shift from traditional on-campus learning to self-directed learning, leading to some prematurely discontinuing their studies. Student unpreparedness has, for decades, been an issue of growing concern, contributing to increased student attrition within the global higher education system. This study seeks to determine various major forms of student unpreparedness accounting for greater student attrition in the ODeL environment. The study employed a qualitative approach and interviewed students to generate. The study unveiled three major forms of unpreparedness, namely academic, technological, and psychological unpreparedness, that account for the majority of attritions. The findings highlight the need for effective support interventions that address the academic, technological, and psychological needs. Institutions (policymakers, academics, and academic planners) need to properly plan and implement effective institutional interventions that will address students’ needs to address the unpreparedness challenge and to minimize attrition.

Authors:
Rendani Sipho Netanda, University of South Africa, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr RENDANI SIPHO NETANDA is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at University of South Africa in South Africa

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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