In their own words - students’ perceptions and experiences of academic success in higher education

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explored and described South African students’ experiences and perceptions regarding academic success. Focus group participants related academic success not only to achievement, but also to goal attainment, feelings of satisfaction, and the application of new skills. Academically successful students were associated with strong academic self-concepts, motivation, balance, and effective study behaviours. The role of significant others were also highlighted. In contrast to the notion that adversity hamper academic success, the participants in this study emphasised resilience when faced with challenges and difficulties. They regarded being the first in their family to attend higher education and financial stressors as motivators for success. This study highlights the complexity of students’ academic success and the importance of recognising the nuanced nature of individuals’ reactions to academic challenges. These findings are of particular value in countries such as South Africa where a large proportion of students enrolled in HE are faced with many challenges of which the impact on their success may not be truly understood yet. This study confirmed the importance of understanding and accurately addressing the student success challenge, especially since higher education institutions are under increased pressure to guarantee the success of their growing and diversifying student body.

KEYWORDS:

• Student perceptions
• student experiences
• academic success
• higher education
• student resilience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andri Burger

Andri Burger recently graduated with a PhD in Psychology at the University of the Free State. She is a practicing counselling psychologist.

Luzelle Naude

Luzelle Naude is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State. Her research interests include identity studies, the psychology of learning and development, and the dynamics of diversity in South Africa.