Abstract:

The capacity to learn and study well sits at the core of a successful student experience. Student development and support units fulfill essential roles in helping students develop sound learning and study strategies. A first step in supporting students is to understand their learning and study profiles via relevant assessment and measurement. Adequate assessment and measurement aids in understanding students’ learning and study habits, which paves the way to develop and offer meaningful SDS intervention programs. However, limited data are available regarding first-year students’ learning and study profiles. This paper reports on a study that investigated the learning and study strategy profiles of first-year university students. Data were collected from first-year students (N = 38 032) registered at a South African university using the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. Descriptive statistics indicated that many students required urgent interventions to develop the LSS needed for academic success. Additionally, the analysis revealed that the significant sources of concern revolved around students’ levels of Anxiety, Attitude, and Using Academic Resources. Next, data from students (N = 207) who attended a learning and study strategies support programme were analysed. The support programme data point to significant statistical improvements. The importance of early LSS assessment and accompanying interventions are highlighted, and a methodology for assisting first-year students on how to master LSS and considering avenues for further study.

Keywords:

Learning and study strategies, Learning and Study Strategy Inventory, student support.