Work

Lecturers’ and Students’ Views on The Impact of Student Support Services on Student Retention and Throughput Rates

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated a decline in numbers of students graduating within the allotted time at various institutions of higher learning. Despite several current discussions in the Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) sector to unpack the role of colleges and their responsiveness to the labour market, students’ retention, success and throughput rates are still a matter of concern. This article explores and considers the advantages and benefits of student support services (SSS) within the TVET College context. The crucial features of an effective SSS model are outlined. A case study of seven TVET Colleges in South Africa was conducted. Lecturers and students formed part of the sample. Findings confirm that colleges require efficient and effective SSS to enhance their success and throughput rates. It is also evident that poor SSS negatively affect the academic progress of students in colleges. The results confirm that a lack of appropriate student support services negatively affects students’ performance in various academic ways.

Source: International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Innovative Research

DOI: 10.58806/ijmir.2026.v3i9n02

Authors: Ernest Phaswa Mashiloane, Thelma De Jager, Serole Selina Ramapela

Institutions: Tshwane University of Technology, University of Limpopo

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7208760449