The impact of student protests on motivation, academic performance, and retention rate at Nkangala TVET college, Mpumalanga province

Abstract

Student protests continue to be a challenge in most universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. The current study sought to investigate the impact of student protests on motivation, academic performance, and retention rate at Nkangala TVET College, Mpumalanga Province. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of student protests on motivation, academic performance, and retention rate at Nkangala TVET College. Considering the nature of this study, the positivist research paradigm was followed by the researcher, and a quantitative research approach was used, utilising cross-sectional survey methods to collect data from 175 participants consisting of 160 NCV level 4 students and 15 lecturers. Secondary data on students’ records were also used for the study. The Attribution theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. The research findings revealed that student protests have a negative impact on motivation, academic performance, and retention rates at the institution. It was also found that student protests result in teaching and learning disturbances, and such disturbances negatively affect student motivation, resulting in students' lack of motivation. Low motivation among students has also been indicated as the key contributor to poor academic performance and results in dropout and low retention rates. The results also revealed that most student protests are a result of financial burdens, especially for students financed by NSFAS. The study further indicated that it would be of benefit if NSFAS allowances were paid on time and if there was clear communication between management and students.