PRELIMINARY data collected by the South African Study Skills Institute (SASSI) suggests that 51% of matric-level pupils in uMhlathuze do not meet international study skill standards.
By delivering free study skills programmes to rural schools, the NPO collected data on pupils’ note-taking, time management, memorisation, textbook use, concentration and test preparation skills.
‘We were expecting low study skills, but not to this extent,’ said SASSI CEO, Brennan Williams.
‘Whilst the sample size is still relatively small, initial data suggests that half of the 2016 matric classes in rural schools lack knowledge of how to study effectively.’
The data highlighted that effective study hinged on pupils’ ability to take notes and manage study time, and concerns were raised when the sample showed that fewer than 50% of pupils followed schedules or planed what and when they study.
Further, 25.4% of pupils were noted to be passive learners, either seldom or never taking notes in class, while 74.6% did not write or use notes in a manner that contributed meaningfully to academic performance.
Repetition
SASSI also found that while most students used their textbooks effectively, there was an over-reliance on repetition as a method of learning .
‘We don’t consider the 30% pass level required by matrics to be a reasonable academic performance for any student,’ said Williams.
‘I’m certain we will uncover many more areas in dire need of intervention as our pilot project expands which will convince potential donors and sponsors that will be helping to solve a real crisis.’
Identifying and remedying these problem areas is how Williams hopes to achieve a two-grade improvement in matric results.
SASSI’s programme has recently received a boost after gaining permission from award-winning academic, Dennis Congos, to implement his study skills inventory which is used at institutions throughout the United States.
SASSI also offers a Learning-How-To-Learn-Programme to high school and university pupils at R150 a session, of which all proceeds go towards facilitating further outreach programmes.
For more information contact Brennan Williams on 081 4478021 or visit: info@sassi.org.za.
