Study skills strategies to enhance Second Year Diploma Accountancy students’ academic performance

Abstract

Accountancy is a challenging subject that attracts students to higher education institutions. However, students still struggle with studying and teaching this subject, leading to poor academic performance. Factors contributing to this issue include not studying accountancy at school, the gap between high school and tertiary education, language issues, and a lack of appropriate study skills. This study aimed to address these issues and improve the academic performance of Second Year Diploma Accountancy students at the University of Johannesburg. A literature review was conducted to investigate the study skills needed for success in accountancy, and a questionnaire was provided to 800 students studying at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and correlations. The findings suggest that students should be provided with courses in time management, procrastination, reading, note-taking, writing, test preparation techniques, and study attitude. Lecturers should focus more on teaching students how to study in general and accountancy at the first-year level before proceeding to the second year. Additionally, the University should implement a study skills course to assist students in studying effectively.