The functioning of the academic skills programme at selected campuses of Vista University, 1992 - 1996

English: In summary, the main problem addressed in this study is that the Vista University AS programme has not been properly analysed and evaluated before. The sub-problems listed below relate to the effective functioning of the programme as it has been implemented between 1992 and 1996. They refer to the difficulties ASP co-ordinators have identified as problems in running the AS programme with its component programmes. The sub - problems to be addressed in this study are those identified by participants in the Vista Department of Student Development: - Problem 1: Problem 2: Problem 3: Problem4: Problem 5: Sub - problem 1 Conceptualising what Academic Development IS or reaching a common working definition; The direction Academic Development should follow at Vista University; What coherence the academic skills programme has in terms of effectively evaluating it. How does the diversity or uniformity of the programme affect its functioning?; How the structural, managerial, reporting and communication lines function with regards to ASP co-ordinators, campus management, academic staff, central university management and students; What the needs of students and AD staff are in the teaching and learning process and how these impinge upon the functioning of the AS programme. refers to a shared mission for Academic Development at Vista University against which the programme can be evaluated. Problem 2 refers to a vision and problems 3 to 4 to the effectivity of the structure, coherent plan and guidelines of the programme against which its functioning can be analysed. Problem 5 relates to the flexibility within the programme to accommodate change and improvement of the programme. From the literature the following points are important for consideration in planning more effective support: • Organisational structure and finance are closely linked. The type of support offered is a strategy to enhance the quality of education offered, which in turn is linked to the vision of the university. • Higher education will still be faced with an educational crisis in the near future. Massification and under-preparedness of students will challenge universities. The problem of first year drop outs or students failing second year at Vista University, when they are not supported any longer (Delvare, 1996:49) will continue to be a problem until the educational problems of the country has been addressed. The process could take a number of years still. In the meantime students cannot be left unsupported due to financial constraints. • The diversity of existing programmes which exist in theory and practise is a further challenge for Vista University. Choice of programmes will depend on the aims of the university. Choices will have to be made in order to improve the functioning of these programmes. Evaluation and research is essential and must be planned when choice of programmes are made. • Programmes that have integrated skills and language into content have been more successful than general programmes. From the case studies the following points emerged: The structure and organisation of ASP needs reviewing; • Status and effectiveness of co-ordinators needs attention; • The aim and strategies of the programme needs revision; • Vista University should invest more funds into academic development and programmes such as SI and Writing Centres which enhance student performance.