FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
While some students excel in their academic performance, a large chunk of others perform dismally which leads to lengthened period spend at tertiary institutions. This has recently raised an alarm for the need to examine the factors that influence students’ performance. Failure to address the causes of performance among students may result in the loss of university reputation. Subsequently, the industry may lose confidence in graduates from the university. However, few studies have been conducted on this subject especially in South African context. Therefore, the study sought to fill this lacuna by investigating the factors that influence academic performance of students. The study adopted a descriptive research design and quantitative research approach. The sample consisted of 330 students enrolled in financial management course at the University of Technology in South Africa. The key findings revealed that attending tutorials, use of previous examination papers, self-given homework, student-run study groups and use of the library are factors that were helpful in improving the academic performance of students. The results of this study also revealed that stable income status of parents and parental involvement with schoolwork were associated with great academic achievement. The results of this study also indicated that parents are increasingly getting involved in the students’ academic work. The academic managers should provide different facilities and employ various teaching methods to enhance academic performance.
Students, Academic Performance, Tertiary Education, South African Education.