Work

Learners’ preparedness for higher education in South Africa: developing a sense of academic belonging through the selective learning approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction The high drop-out rates at South African universities have raised concerns regarding the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements’ (CAPS) ability to prepare learners for the world beyond secondary education. This study sought to investigate teachers’ perceptions of how the Selective Learning Approach (SLA), based on Multiple Intelligences Theory, can enable learners to transition to higher education and find academic belonging seamlessly. Specifically, the focus was on the suitability of transitional processes, including the curriculum programmes in secondary education to prepare learners for higher education. Methods To conduct this investigation, a qualitative methodological approach was adopted which employed semi-structured interviews as a means of data collection. The study’s purposively selected sample consisted of eight teachers in the Motheo Education District, Mangaung. A thematic analysis method was utilized to analyze the data. Results The findings indicated that the Selective Learning Approach can foster a sense of belonging among learners transitioning from secondary to higher education in South Africa which is crucial for their academic success in higher education. This includes a deliberate focus on vertical articulation (continuous learning) in basic education, higher education programme choices, and workload management. Discussion Furthermore, the study provided recommendations on mitigating measures for factors that affect effective academic belonging in South African schools. The emphasis on vertical articulation in the findings supports the conceptual framework’s proposition that curriculum continuity is essential for successful higher education transitions.

Source: Frontiers in Education

DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1465786

Author: Katlego Mabulana

Institution: University of Limpopo

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353