| dc.description |
This study investigated the challenges encountered by first year undergraduate university
students of Saint Augustine University of Mwanza, Tanzania. Four research objectives
guided this study: To establish teaching and learning related challenges, to examine the
financial related challenges, to explore the social related challenges and to find out the
possible ways of solving the challenges facing undergraduate university students at SAUT.
The study employed mixed research approach in which convergent parallel design was
used. Data was collected from a sample of 69 students, 20 lecturers and heads of
departments, 10 hostel administrators as well as 1 dean of students. The study used both
questionnaires and interviews to collect data. Data collection from quantitative data was
analyzed by using description and a software known as the Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS V. 20), while the qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The study
observed that many challenges identified were diverse and ranged from teaching to
learning, and involved issues such as lack of enough facilities, presence of outdated
resource in the library as well as lack of seriousness of students in the learning process.
From the data supplied by respondents, the study also discovered that financial challenges
included insufficient and late issue of loans form HESLB, misuse of provided funds, as
well as lack of financial support from families. Social challenges identified included lack
of guidance and counseling, language problems as well as interaction between students;
challenges were also identified in the way students make adjustment to university
environment. Therefore, this study recommended that the university should create an
independent department for guidance and counseling of students. There is a need to create
cooperation between the university and students‟ parents or guardians in order to know
their academic progress. Besides, students should be effectively oriented before learning
process takes off; private hostel administrator should reform their process of receiving
students in their hostels and make permanent register of students living in their premises.
This would ensure safety and security of the students. Students too, are advised to be kind
and keen in using the opportunities offered to them in their learning process. |
|