Abstract
M.Ed.
The purpose of this research is to formulate responsible recommendations that will probably contribute to increased class attendance, academic success and job satisfaction of students at technical colleges. On closer investigation it would appear
that four role-players, viz. lecturers, students, management staff and employers/parents, should be involved in solving the problem of student absenteeism and poor academic achievement. The contributions these individuals make can be distinguished but not separated. The research comprised a literature and a descriptive empirical study, as well as comments expressed by students and lecturing staff of an experimental technical college. Students' comments on class attendance, academic success of and
job satisfaction experienced by students were classified under the following headings:
* The lecturers' subject knowledge * Presentation of lectures * Emotional factors experienced by students * The influence exerted by fellow-students. During a two-day working seminar at the experimental technical college the lecturing staff formulated recommendations on the contribution and role of lecturers in guiding students to maximise their potential. It was established that staff development should be regarded as a priority with a view to the improvement of the academic success of both students and lecturers. A descriptive empirical investigation was undertaken to determine
the class attendance and academic success of students of the 44 technical colleges which offer Engineering Studies. Particular focus was placed on the experimental college. It was established beyond doubt that there is a positive correlation between the class attendance and academic success of students. It was also statistically proven that the class attendance and success rate of students of the experimental technical college had improved considerably once the management team and lecturing
staff of that college started focusing on the achievement and job satisfaction of lecturers and students and the class attendance of students. It is the responsibility of the management team of a technical college to remove all obstacles and to address all problems which may have a negative effect on the class attendance, academic
success and job satisfaction of both students and lecturers. Consideration should also be given to a system of participatory management in which staff and student representatives are closely involved. It has also become clear that parents/employers should be more closely involved in order to ensure a greater measure of academic
success of students. In conclusion, it can be stated that it is both advisable and
possible to improve the students' class attendance, academic success and job satisfaction. In order to achieve this, however, all the role-players, i.e. lecturers, students, the management team and the parents/employers concerned should make a
substantial contribution in this regard.