Masters Degrees (Sociology and Social Anthropology)
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Browsing Masters Degrees (Sociology and Social Anthropology) by browse.metadata.advisor "Du Plessis, Jacobus M. J."
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- ItemStudent persistence in higher education : a study of the challenges and achievements of a group of historically disadvantaged senior students studying at the University of the Western Cape(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Sampson, Leonie Georgina; Du Plessis, Jacobus M. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Students from impoverished economic backgrounds have the highest drop‐out rates within the higher education sector. Research conducted both locally and internationally reveals that there are several variables that influence a student’s decision to leave the higher education institution. Very little research has concentrated on why students from deprived backgrounds advance academically or what enables them to do so. In South Africa, numerous changes have been introduced on the social, economic and educational fronts in attempts to correct the inequality prevalent in the country. In education, various changes and programmes have been introduced. Increasing access to higher education for poor black students has been one of the primary goals of change within that sector. The results, though, are alarming. Despite this increased access, many continue to drop out; the reasons are varied. Some, however, do stay. This research was aimed at finding out what contributed to a group of poor black students’ advancing academically when many of their peers had dropped out. There is no theory of what these factors could have been. Although the researcher realises that the results of this study will not be generalisable, it is an important discussion to initiate if we as South Africans truly want to support disadvantaged students entering higher education institutions. Without attempts to find adequate support structures, many will continue to be let down by the system.