Abstract
D.Ed. (Didactics)
The main objective of this research is to develop a diagnostic
model for the prediction of mathematics achievement
for first year university students. In order to design
this model of prediction, the following objectives were
formulated:
* to establish a profile of a typical successful and
unsuccessful student in Mathematics;
* to calculate the probable final mark achieved by a
student in Mathematics;
* to establish the probability of success by a student in
Mathematics.
In this research various factors determinating the academic
performance of first year students at a university are discussed.
Firstly the transition from school to university
and its implications on the student, the teaching of a subject
and its influence, and those factors inherent in the
student are investigated. The factors inherent to the
student are described as cognitive factors (intelligence,
aptitude and previous performance) and non-cognititve factors
(study methods and attitudes, interest, anxiety, personality
and adjustment).