Description
EDS3701 Assignment 4 critically examines the high dropout rates among first-year university students in South Africa, which range from 50% to 60%. While the national school pass rate of 30% is often blamed, this assignment explores deeper systemic issues that begin in the basic education sector.
The first section identifies four major challenges facing South African schools: overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and socio-economic hardships. It then analyses how these challenges limit learners’ academic preparedness, critical thinking skills, and emotional resilience — all of which contribute to poor performance and eventual dropout at tertiary level.
From the perspective of a newly appointed Minister of Education, the assignment presents a 10-point action plan. This includes strengthening foundation phase education, introducing bridging programs, expanding financial aid, establishing academic and mental health support systems, and using early warning interventions to identify struggling students.
The assignment concludes by emphasising that solving dropout rates requires an integrated approach that spans both basic and higher education. Backed by current research and national education policies, the work demonstrates thoughtful problem-solving and a commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning systems.
Lungiswazi –
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐