Factors that might contribute to absenteeism among TVET students at a college in Matlosana district

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the factors that might contribute to absenteeism among TVET students at a college in Matlosana district. One hundred and sixty-one (161) respondents were selected from students in two campuses (Klerksdorp and Jouberton) in the Matlosana district who enrolled for business studies and engineering in N6 and Level 4 respectively. There were 58 level 4 students that enrolled for engineering and 55 students were enrolled for business studies. Forty eight Nated N6 students enrolled for business studies. For triangulation purposes, two student support officers of the college also participated in the study from the two campuses. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods of data collection. Respondents for quantitative study were selected through stratified sampling. Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 18). Data collected through semi-structured interview was analysed thematically. The Cronbach’s test was used to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of South Africa and Ethics committee and the permission to conduct the study was granted by Vuselela TVET college principal. Students’ participation consent was also obtained to conduct research. Findings of the study revealed that factors such as lack of financial support from students’ families, lack of parental support and lack of awareness of counselling procedures contribute a lot towards student absenteeism in Vuselela TVET college in Matlosana district. The study further shows that students’ attitude and lack of motivation also contributes to the absenteeism in the college. The study recommends that TVET colleges should focus on increasing students’ commitment to college in order to reduce student absenteeism. Efforts must be made to ensure that students are aware of the support services rendered by the college. Thus, their attendance level will increase, unwanted behaviours will decrease and academic success will improve. In addition, parental involvement will increase commitment of the students and will play a role in the reduction of absenteeism.