Academic support leading to excellence was the aim during the recent Senior Initiative, conducted on 6 and 7 May 2024 at the EMS Research Hub. More than 50 senior volunteers dedicated their time and expertise to assist first-year students in navigating their academic journey. Over 50 first-year students actively engaged with the initiative, eager to enhance their study techniques and approach to high-impact modules.

 

Ncumisa November, an academic success coach in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, explained that the primary aim of the initiative was to equip first-year students with effective study techniques tailored to tackle the challenges posed by high-impact modules. “By leveraging the knowledge and experience of senior volunteers, the initiative aimed to provide first-hand guidance and support to enhance the academic success of incoming students,” she added.

 

During the sessions, senior volunteers conducted interactive workshops focusing on specific study techniques relevant to each high-imact module, which are Business Accounting 100 (BUS), Economics 110 & 120 (EKN), Responsible Reporting 100 (RRP), Financial Accounting 111, 121 & 122 (FRK), Business Management 114 & 124 (OBS), and Statistics 110, 113, 123 & 120 (STK).

 

The seniors provided guidance on module-specific study strategies, shared valuable resources to aid in comprehension and retention of course material, offered practical advice on time management and effective study habits, and facilitated collaborative problem-solving sessions, allowing students to work together on practice problems. This led to improved study skills among the first-year students, enhanced student engagement and increased confidence.

 

For November, the highlight of the workshops was witnessing senior students impart their knowledge to the first-year students, helping them avoid common mistakes and sharing effective methods and strategies that worked for them.

 

“It was incredibly fulfilling to observe the sense of relief among the first-year students and the strong peer community we are building. Teaching students that they can achieve more together was a heartwarming experience. It was remarkable to witness the breaking down of boundaries facilitated by peer-to-peer interaction. At times, receiving perspectives from fellow students who have walked in your shoes can bring clarity, demystify technical language, and instil confidence in one's ability to succeed. This exchange of experiences underscores the notion that success is achievable,” she added.

 

The initiative also assisted in fostering a sense of belonging among students, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. The long-term benefit for first-year students is the demonstration of the importance of reaching out and avoiding isolation.

 

The participating seniors also had a positive experience, one noting that it took him out of his comfort zone. “Overall, I was happy to assist first-years, as it was very fulfilling and educational.” Another senior pointed out that it was a great initiative because first-years got to hear the voices and perspectives of senior students. “I wish this initiative had been available in my first year."

 

The study with a senior day was inspired by the Phafoga Project run by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. At the University of Pretoria, a lack of student progress in certain critical high-impact modules negatively affects student success and throughput rates.

 

The project was initiated and implemented in 2014 and has since become a beacon of hope. It serves as an early warning system for students at risk, encouraging them to seek help and support. Additionally, it provides intrinsic motivation to both at-risk students and those performing well. The project encourages students to focus on positive outcomes rather than current content challenges, fostering a mindset of perseverance and continuous improvement.

 

The initiative will be implemented twice a year, once per semester.