A management plan to improve student academic performance at the department of Geomatics, Tshwane University of Technology University of Technology

Abstract

The academic performance of students at the institutions of higher learning has been researched, but throughput rate, dropouts, attrition and retention is still a challenge in many countries in the whole world. This research study was designed to investigate and identify factors affecting academic performance of students in the Department of Geomatics at the Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa. The study was conducted to assess the effects of the teaching system, namely the teaching manuals, teaching and assessment methods, teaching expertise, Toppieshoek practical camp and the teaching equipment. The research reviewed literature on throughput rate, dropouts, attrition and retention in the universities offering Geomatics. The data was collected by questionnaire from former students and lecturers telephonically and through the emails. The data received was analysed using SPSS Statistics Version 22 programme and the Microsoft 2013 and identified factors affecting academic performance of students. A Teaching Management Plan that will be helpful in improving the throughput rate was proposed. It was concluded that the Department of Geomatics should ensure that factors such as lecturer commitment and quality, efficient and effective leadership, effective use of teaching manuals, teaching and assessment methods and other resources are well administered.