Some variables influencing academic achievement : reading, motivation, learning strategies, learning approaches

Abstract

The low throughput and high drop-out rates at contact institutions are of concern as this leads to small percentages of qualified students available for the labour market. In order to address this problem, it is essential for higher education institutions to possess knowledge of factors that can potentially contribute to or improve academic success such as reading ability, motivational factors, learning strategies and learning approaches. These were investigated among a sample of 260 Economic and Management education students by using validated instruments in a quantitative study. The results revealed that students demonstrated an average reading speed comparable to that of a grade 8 learner and a comprehension level of only 60%. The motivational factor, namely expectancy for success, was rated highest and test anxiety lowest contributor while learning strategies such as critical thinking, organising, rehearsal and additional efforts as well as the deep learning approach correlated positively with academic achievement