Reducing risk of freshman failure

Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, Contributor

My personal experience with scholastic disappoint-ment was in 2004 when, during my first year of university, I failed three of my 10 courses, with the grades in the others averaging between B and D - a very below-average performance. Some of my friends also experienced a similar fate, and even today there are students who, no matter how hard they study, fail some, if not all, of their courses.

My intention is not to discourage those who are pursuing a university degree, nor is it to make tertiary institutions look bad. Rather, I draw attention to this very important problem while it is yet early in the semester, so it can provide help to those students who may be facing such a dilemma.

The high failure rate among first-year students is not something that exists only in our local universities, but also within universities abroad. The problem is not so much with the institution as it is with other factors. From my own experience and that of others, here are the two main reasons which I determine have contributed to the problem:

1. The expectations at university are much greater than those at high schools. There is, therefore, a greater workload that is required, and most students find it hard to adjust to this new requirement.

2. Most first-year students are leaving home for the first time and, therefore, find it hard to adjust to this new freedom. There are parties everywhere, couples hanging out, and many places to go. The problem: they often get distracted. This new hype of being away from home often makes them forget why they are there - to study, not to waste time.

So now that we have identified the problem, how do we fix it? Here are a few suggestions:

For parents:

1. Speak to your children before they leave home and let them know what your expectations are of them. Although the semester has already started, you can still do this. Remind them of why they are there and that you want them to achieve the best. Keep them focused.

2. Pray for them constantly and encourage them to pray for themselves as well.

For students:

3. Prioritise your time - studies before partying. Find other ways to relax and have fun that won't burn your pocket and waste your time.

4. Seek academic advice and even counselling from the health centre. There are sessions that are usually held on coping with stress, which might be useful, especially for adjusting in your freshman year.

5. Use your time wisely. You would be surprised at the amount of spare time that you have each day - use it constructively, rather than letting the work pile up.

6. Join study groups and share your ideas with each other; somebody else may be able to help you with areas that you may not be comfortable with.

7. Attend consultation hours with your lecturers. You would be surprised how useful this could be. It gives you time to discuss, one on one with your lecturer, the areas you might not understand.

8. Do not occupy all your time with hall activities. They are good, but not to the point at which you neglect your studies.

9. Keep in touch with your parents and lecturers. Let them know what is going on and any problems that you might be having.

This list, while not comprehensive, will hopefully help you to become a better student and avoid the pitfalls of first year before it is too late.

Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and colorsofe@hotmail.com.