Key aspects related to student achievement in engineering education

Student achievement is a key contributor to throughput. Engineering education in South Africa is particularly vulnerable with regards to throughput since the Higher Education Council report indicates a national throughput of only 17% of university of technology students after 5 years of study. It is therefore important to investigate aspects related to achievement at the Tshwane University of Technology in order to meet the socio economic needs identified by the government and to ensure that the country has sufficient engineers, technologists and technicians, which is essential for the development of the South African economy. The study indicates that test time tables, lack of facilities, conflict with lecturers, language problems, mentorship, and course time frames, significantly influence student achievement. All these elements relate to student engagement issues.