An exploratory study on the perceptions of previously educationally disadvantaged first year learners of law regarding university education

Abstract

This article presents an exploratory study and focuses on the high failure rate amongst first year learners at South African universities. A trend that is significantly higher at HBU's (historically black universities). A cause for this problem can probably be found in the inadequate school education of these learners. Some of the findings of the study are that learner preparation had a non-significant influence whilst presentation of lectures had a significant influence on the perceptions regarding university studies. For the success of outcomes-based education and the successful shifting of focus from teaching to learning, a culture of learning needs to be cultivated. Lecturers should make learners aware that they must adopt a different approach to learning at university level. Learners have a greater responsibility to work on their own.


South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.16(2) 2002: 177-182