Appendix 5: Questions 20-26 Responses

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Table A5.1 Question 20

Question 20

Indigenous

Non-indigenous

Please circle the number you agree with
beside each statement
Agree Uncertain Disagree Agree Uncertain Disagree
a. My study skills were appropriate for university Successful

Incomplete

18 (58.3)

19 (59.4)

10 (20.8)

6 (18.8)

10 (20.8)

7 (21.9)

17 (85.0)

3 (75.0)

3 (15.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

1 (25.0)

b. I had problems organising my
study time
Successful

Incomplete

17 (35.4)

11 (33.3)

9 (18.8)

9 (27.3)

22 (45.8)

13 (39.4)

6 (30.0)

2 (50.0)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

13 (65.0)

2 (50.0)

c. I was academically prepared for university studies (I had enough prerequisite knowledge) Successful

Incomplete

29 (60.4)

17 (53.2)

8 (16.7)

8 (25.0)

11 (22.9)

7 (21.9)

16 (80.0)

3 (75.0)

4 (20.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

1 (25.0)

d. After gaining university
entrance, I was eager to begin my studies immediately
Successful

Incomplete

43 (89.6)

22 (66.7)

4 (8.3)

8 (24.2)

1 (2.1)

3 (9.1)

18 (90.0)

4 (100.0)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

e. I found the change to
(transition to) university easy
Successful

Incomplete

23 (47.9)

16 (48.5)

7 (14.6)

7 (21.2)

18 (37.5)

10 (30.4)

12 (60.0)

3 (75.0)

2 (10.0)

0 (-)

6 (30.0)

1 (25.0)

f. I had plenty of guidance as to
what was expected of me in
lectures and tutorials
Successful

Incomplete

32 (66.7)

19 (57.6)

4 (8.3)

6 (18.2)

12 (25.0)

8 (24.3)

12 (60.0)

2 (50.0)

4 (20.0)

0 (-)

4 (20.0)

2 (50.0)

g. I found the other students
very friendly
Successful

Incomplete

35 (77.8)

29 (90.6)

7 (15.6)

2 (6.3)

3 (6.7)

1 (3.1)

14 (93.3)

2 (50.0)

0 (-)

2 (50.0)

1 (6.7)

0 (-)

h. I felt welcomed at university Successful

Incomplete

30 (73.2)

6 (46.2)

8 (19.5)

4 (30.8)

3 (7.3)

3 (23.1)

12 (80.0)

0 (-)

2 (13.3)

0 (-)

1 (6.7)

2 (100.0)

NB: In this and subsequent tables in Appendix 5, response categories have been collapsed to facilitate presentation.

Table A5.2 Question 21

Question 21

Indigenous

Non-indigenous

Please circle the number which reflects your
views about the last course you were enrolled
in beside each statement.

Agree

Uncertain

Disagree

Agree

Uncertain

Disagree

a. the course increased my understanding of myself as a person Successful

Incomplete

38 (79.2)

22 (68.8)

2 (4.2)

5 (15.6)

8 (16.7)

5 (15.6)

14 (70.0)

3 (75.0)

4 (20.0)

1 (25.0)

2 (10.0)

0 (-)

b. the course was interesting Successful

Incomplete

44 (91.7)

26 (81.3)

2 (4.2)

5 (15.6)

2 (4.2)

1 (3.1)

19 (95.0)

4 (100.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

c. the course was relevant to my future plans Successful

Incomplete

41 (85.4)

22 (68.8)

4 (8.3)

4 (12.5)

3 (6.3)

6 (18.8)

13 (65.0)

4 (100.0)

5 (25.0)

0 (-)

2 (10.0)

0 (-)

d. the course material was easy Successful

Incomplete

19 (39.6)

8 (25.0)

13 (27.1)

17 (53.1)

16 (33.3)

7 (21.9)

6 (30.0)

3 (75.0)

6 (30.0)

1 (25.0)

8 (40.0)

0 (-)

e. I enjoyed the course work and assignments Successful

Incomplete

33 (68.8)

22 (68.7)

10 (20.8)

6 (18.8)

5 (10.4)

4 (12.6)

15 (75.0)

3 (75.0)

4 (20.0)

0 (-)

1 (5.0)

1 (25.0)

f. the teaching staff was
generally helpful
Successful

Incomplete

38 (79.2)

25 (78.2)

7 (14.6)

1 (3.1)

3 (6.3)

6 (18.8)

13 (65.0)

4 (100.0)

4 (20.0)

0 (-)

3 (15.0)

0 (-)

g. I worked hard at my studies Successful

Incomplete

34 (70.8)

19 (59.4)

10 (20.8)

8 (25.0)

4 (8.3)

5 (15.6)

15 (75.0)

2 (50.0)

3 (15.0)

1 (25.0)

2 (10.0)

1 (25.0)

h. I enjoyed studying Successful

Incomplete

37 (77.1)

22 (68.8)

9 (18.8)

6 (18.8)

2 (4.2)

4 (12.5)

18 (90.0)

4 (100.0)

2 (10.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

0 (-)

i. I generally knew what was
expected of me
Successful

Incomplete

32 (66.7)

(22 (68.8)

12 (25.0)

5 (15.6)

4  (8.4)

5 (15.6)

16 (80.0)

2 (50.0)

3 (15.0)

1 (25.0)

1 (5.0)

1 (25.0)

j. The teaching staff was fair in assessing my marks Successful

Incomplete

32 (66.7)

25 (78.2)

11 (22.9)

2 (6.3)

5 (10.4)

5 (15.6)

15 (75.0)

3 (75.0)

4 (20.0)

1 (25.0)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

k. I was encouraged by the
teaching staff
Successful

Incomplete

34 (70.9)

20 (62.5)

5 (10.4)

8 (25.0)

9 (18.8)

4 (12.5)

15 (75.0)

2 (50.0)

4 (20.0)

2 (50.0)

1 (5.0)

0 (-)

l. It was difficult to meet
deadlines for assignments
Successful

Incomplete

29 (63.1)

8 (61.6)

5 (10.9)

5 (38.5)

12 (26.0)

0 (-)

10 (50.0)

3 (100.0)

6 (30.0)

0 (-)

4 (20.0)

0 (-)

m. Classes were of a size that made staff access easy Successful

Incomplete

28 (68.3)

18 (64.3)

6 (14.6)

6 (21.4)

7 (17.1)

4 (14.2)

9 (75.0)

0 (-)

3 (25.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

1 (100.0)

n. The teaching staff was approachable Successful

Incomplete

36 (76.6)

21 (65.6)

6 (12.8)

7 (21.9)

5 (10.7)

4 (12.5)

17 (85.0)

4 (100.0)

3 (15.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

0 (-)

o. I enjoyed the way the
material was taught
Successful

Incomplete

32 (66.7)

20 (62.5)

10 (20.8)

5 (15.6)

6 (12.5)

7 (21.9)

13 (65.0)

2 (50.0)

3 (15.0)

0 (-)

4 (20.0)

2 (50.0)

p. The workload was
appropriate
Successful

Incomplete

29 (61.7)

18 (56.3)

9 (19.1)

10 (31.3)

9 (19.1)

4 (12.5)

14 (70.0)

3 (75.0)

6 (30.0)

1 (25.0)

0 (-)

0 (-)

q. I liked my teachers/
lecturers/tutors
Successful

Incomplete

36 (76.6)

26 (81.3)

10 (21.3)

5 (15.6)

1 (2.1)

1 (3.1)

14 (77.8)

4 (100.0)

3 (16.7)

0 (-)

1 (5.6)

0 (-)

Table A5.3 Question 22

Question 22 Indigenous Non-indigenous
Please circle the number that is most accurate about personal issues that may have affected your studies next to each statement. Agree Uncertain Disagree Agree Uncertain Disagree
a. My family encouraged me to study Successful

Incomplete

34 (70.8) 

21 (65.6) 

7 (14.6) 

4 (12.5) 

7 (14.6) 

7 (21.9) 

13 (65.0) 

3 (75.0) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

5 (25.0) 

1 (25.0) 

b. My friends were supportive of my studying Successful

Incomplete

35 (72.9) 

22 (68.8) 

6 (12.5) 

5 (15.6) 

7 (14.6) 

5 (15.6) 

11 (57.9) 

2 (50.0) 

3 (15.8) 

2 (50.0) 

5 (26.3) 

0 (-) 

c. my family understood the demands of university study Successful

Incomplete

30 (62.5) 

19 (59.4) 

4 (8.3) 

6 (18.8) 

14 (29.2) 

7 (21.9) 

9 (45.0) 

3 (75.0) 

5 (25.0) 

1 (25.0) 

6 (30.0) 

0 (-) 

d. my friends understood the demands of university study Successful

Incomplete

28 (58.3) 

19 (61.3) 

9 (18.8) 

6 (19.4) 

11 (22.9) 

6 (19.4) 

11 (57.9) 

0 (-) 

4 (21.1) 

1 (25.0) 

4 (21.1) 

3 (75.0) 

e. there was pressure from family to study hard Successful

Incomplete

10 (20.8) 

6 (18.8) 

6 (12.5) 

7 (21.9) 

32 (66.7) 

19 (59.4) 

4 (20.0) 

1 (25.0) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

15 (75.0) 

3 (75.0) 

f. it was easy to find time for family/social/community responsibilities Successful

Incomplete

16 (33.3) 

14 (45.2) 

7 (14.6) 

8 (25.8) 

25 (52.1) 

9 (29.0) 

7 (35.0) 

2 (50.0) 

4 (20.0) 

0 (-) 

9 (45.0) 

2 (50.0) 

g. the orientation program was very helpful Successful

Incomplete

24 (63.1) 

18 (64.2) 

7 (18.4) 

8 (28.6) 

7 (18.4) 

2 (7.2) 

7 (63.6) 

0 (-) 

1 (9.1) 

0 (-) 

3 (27.3) 

0 (-) 

h. my university studies interfered with home life Successful

Incomplete

20 (41.7) 

14 (46.7) 

7 (14.6) 

6 (20.) 

21 (43.8) 

10 (33.3) 

11 (55.0) 

2 (50.0) 

4 (20.0) 

0 (-) 

5 (25.0) 

2 (50.0) 

i. I worried about financial problems Successful

Incomplete

25 (52.1) 

23 (71.9) 

8 (16.7) 

4 (12.5) 

15 (31.2) 

5 (15.7) 

9 (45.0) 

2 (50.0) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

10 (50.0) 

2 (50.0) 

j. I felt lonely at university Successful

Incomplete

9 (20.0) 

7 (22.6) 

5 (11.1) 

6 (19.4) 

31 (68.9) 

18 (58.1) 

4 (23.5) 

1 (25.0) 

3 (17.6) 

0 (-) 

10 (58.8) 

3 (75.0) 

k. I felt homesick at university Successful

Incomplete

8 (18.2) 

6 (22.2) 

3 (6.8) 

2 (7.4) 

33 (75.0) 

18 (70.3) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

1 (6.7) 

0 (-) 

14 (93.3) 

2 (100.0) 

l. I felt depressed at university Successful

Incomplete

14 (30.4) 

7 (23.4) 

5 (10.9) 

6 (20.0) 

27 (58.7) 

17 (56.7) 

3 (17.7) 

1 (25.0) 

1 (5.9) 

0 (-) 

13 (76.4) 

3 (75.0) 

m. I found it easy to find time for work and my studies Successful

Incomplete

17 (36.2) 

6 (21.4) 

9 (19.1) 

11 (39.3) 

21 (44.7) 

11 (39.3) 

6 (30.0) 

0 (-) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

12 (60.0) 

4 (100.0) 

n. ** I fitted in well with other students Successful

Incomplete

34 (81.4) 

21 (67.8) 

5 (11.6) 

7 (22.6) 

3 (7.0) 

3 (9.77) 

7 (50.0) 

0 (-) 

4 (28.6) 

0 (-) 

3 (21.4) 

0 (-) 

o. my accommodation was suitable for studying Successful

Incomplete

31 (68.9) 

14 (45.2) 

7 (15.6) 

5 (16.1) 

7 (15.6) 

12 (38.7) 

15 (83.3) 

2 (66.7) 

1 (5.6) 

0 (-) 

2 (11.1) 

1 (33.3) 

p. most of my friends attend university Successful

Incomplete

13 (27.7) 

13 (43.3) 

6 (12.8) 

8 (26.7) 

28 (59.6) 

9 (30.0) 

3 (16.6) 

0 (-) 

2 (11.1) 

0 (-) 

13 (72.2) 

3 (100.0) 

q. while at university, I had problems at home Successful

Incomplete

18 (37.5) 

11 (36.7) 

7 (14.6) 

3 (10.0) 

23 (48.0) 

16 (53.4) 

8 (42.1) 

2 (66.7) 

2 (10.5) 

0 (-) 

9 (47.4) 

1 (33.3) 

r. the support services helped me a lot Successful

Incomplete

27 (61.4) 

6 (40.0) 

7 (15.9) 

5 (33.3) 

10 (22.7) 

4 (26.6) 

1 (6.77) 

0 (-) 

4 (26.7) 

0 (-) 

10 (66.6) 

3 (100.0) 

** no on-campus incompletes and no non-indigenous incomplete external students responded to these statements

Attitude Scales - Scales, Items and Item-total Correlations

Positive Experience Scale

Item   Item-total Correlation
21c The course increased my understanding of myself as a person .57
21b The course was interesting .63
21c The course was relevant to my future plans .53
21e I enjoyed the course work and assignments .75
21f The teaching staff was generally helpful .78
21h I enjoyed studying .58
21j The teaching staff was fair in assessing my marks .63
21k I was encouraged by teaching staff .75
21n The teaching staff was approachable .81
21o I enjoyed the way the material was taught .81
21p The workload was appropriate .56
21q I liked my teachers/lecturers/tutors .73

Good Study Skills Scale

Item   Item-total Correlation
20a My study skills were appropriate for university .67
20b I had problems organising my study time (R) .40
20c I was academically prepared for university studies (I had enough prerequisite knowledge) .50
20e I found the change to (transition to) university easy .67
21i I generally knew what was expected of me .50

Note : (R) indicates that the item was reverse scored

Support from Others Scale

Item   Item-total Correlation
22a My family encouraged me to study .30
22b My friends were supportive of my studying .65
22c My family understood the demands of university study .43
22d My friends understand the demands of university study .57
22m I found it easy to find time for work and my studies .47
22n I fitted in well with other students .48
22p Most of my friends attend university .33

Lack of Personal Worry

Item   Item-total Correlation
22c My family understood the demands of university study (R) .34
22j I felt lonely at university (R) .69
22k I felt homesick at university (R) .77
22l I felt depressed at university (R) .67
22q While at university, I had problems at home (R) .32

Note : (R) indicates items reverse scored.

Table A5.4 Question 23 - Use of Services

Question 23 Indigenous Non-indigenous
How frequently did you use each of the following services? Circle the number beside each service. Often Sometimes Rarely/
Never
Often Sometimes Rarely/
Never
a. library Successful

Incomplete

33 (68.7) 

17 (51.5) 

14 (29.2) 

10 (30.3) 

1 (2.1) 

6 (8.2) 

15 (75.0) 

3 (75.0) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

3 (15.0) 

1 (25.0) 

b. computer facilities Successful

Incomplete

26 (54.2) 

17 (51.5) 

12 (25.0) 

7 (21.2) 

10 (20.8) 

9 (27.3) 

8 (40.0) 

1 (25.0) 

5 (25.0) 

0 (-) 

7 (35.0) 

3 (75.0) 

c. counselling services Successful

Incomplete

8 (16.7) 

2 (6.1) 

11 (22.9) 

8 (24.2) 

29 (60.4) 

23 (69.7) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

18 (90.0) 

4 (100.0) 

d. student association Successful

Incomplete

5 (10.4) 

1 (3.0) 

17 (35.4) 

5 (15.2) 

26 (54.2) 

27 (81.8) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

4 (20.0) 

0 (-) 

16 (80.0) 

4 (100.0) 

e. student cafeteria Successful

Incomplete

19 (39.6) 

12 (36.4) 

16 (33.3) 

8 (24.2) 

13 (27.1) 

13 (39.4) 

3 (15.0) 

0 (-) 

7 (35.0) 

0 (-) 

10 (50.0) 

4 (100.0) 

f. sporting facilities Successful

Incomplete

1 (2.1) 

1 (3.0) 

4 (8.3) 

3 (9.1) 

43 (89.6) 

29 (87.9) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

19 (95.0) 

4 (100.0) 

g. teleconferences Successful

Incomplete

7 (14.6) 

1 (3.0) 

14 (29.2) 

2 (6.1) 

27 (56.2) 

30 (90.9) 

0 (-) 

2 (50.0) 

7 (35.0) 

0 (-) 

13 (65.0) 

2 (50.0) 

h. student money loans Successful

Incomplete

3 (6.3) 

3 (9.1) 

16 (33.3) 

7 (21.2) 

29 (60.4) 

23 (69.7) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

16 (80.0) 

4 (100.0) 

i. student employment services problems Successful

Incomplete

1 (2.1) 

0 (-) 

3 (6.3) 

4 (12.1) 

44 (91.7) 

29 (87.9) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

20 (100.0) 

4 (100.0) 

j. orientation program Successful

Incomplete

10 (20.8) 

3 (9.1) 

15 (31.3) 

14 (42.4) 

23 (47.9) 

16 (48.5) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

5 (25.0) 

0 (-) 

14 (70.0) 

4 (100.0) 

k. study skills support Successful

Incomplete

16 (33.3) 

7 (21.2) 

17 (35.4) 

9 (27.3) 

15 (31.3) 

17 (51.5) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

2 (10.0) 

0 (-) 

16 (80.0) 

4 (100.0) 

l. facilities for disabled students Successful

Incomplete

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

48 (100.0) 

33 (100.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

20 (100.0) 

4 (100.0) 

Table A5.5 Question 24 - Adequacy of Services

Question 24 Indigenous Non-indigenous
For each service, circle the number that reflects how adequate you found the convenience of hours, availability of facilities, and helpfulness of staff. Adequate Barely Adequate Inadequate Adequate Barely Adequate Inadequate
a. library Successful

Incomplete

38 (84.4) 

20 (69.0) 

5 (11.1) 

5 (17.2) 

2 (4.4) 

4 (13.8) 

15 (93.8) 

3 (100.0) 

1 (6.2) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

b. computer facilities Successful

Incomplete

28 (75.7) 

19 (73.1) 

4 (10.8) 

5 (19.2) 

5 (13.5) 

2 (7.7) 

11 (84.6) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

2 (15.4) 

0 (-) 

c. counselling services Successful

Incomplete

15 (71.4) 

6 (60.0) 

5 (23.8) 

2 (20.0) 

1 (4.8) 

2 (20.0) 

2 (75.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

1 (25.0) 

0 (-) 

d. student association Successful

Incomplete

15 (53.6) 

2 (25.0) 

8 (28.6) 

5 (62.5) 

5 (17.9) 

1 (12.5) 

1 (16.7) 

0 (-) 

4 (66.7) 

0 (-) 

1 (6.7) 

0 (-) 

e. student cafeteria Successful

Incomplete

31 (88.5) 

15 (71.4) 

3 (8.6) 

3 (14.3) 

1 (2.9) 

3 (14.3) 

6 (54.5) 

0 (-) 

3 (27.3) 

0 (-) 

2 (18.2) 

0 (-) 

f. sporting facilities Successful

Incomplete

3 (50.0) 

2 (40.0) 

3 (50.0) 

3 (60.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

1 (100.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

g. teleconferences Successful

Incomplete

12 (60.0) 

2 (100.0) 

7 (35.0) 

0 (-) 

1 (5.0) 

0 (-) 

1 (14.3) 

1 (50.0) 

4 (57.1) 

1 (50.0) 

2 (28.6) 

0 (-) 

h. student money loans Successful

Incomplete

11 (57.9) 

9 (81.8) 

7 (36.8) 

1 (9.1) 

1 (5.3) 

1 (9.1) 

2 (40.0) 

0 (-) 

2 (40.0) 

0 (-) 

1 (20.0) 

0 (-) 

i. student employment services Successful

Incomplete

2 (40.0) 

2 (50.0) 

2 (40.0) 

2 (50.0) 

1 (20.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

j. orientation program Successful

Incomplete

15 (51.7) 

5 (29.4) 

7 (24.1) 

8 (47.1) 

7 (24.1) 

4 (23.5) 

2 (33.3) 

0 (-) 

3 (50.0) 

0 (-) 

1 (16.7) 

0 (-) 

k. study skills support Successful

Incomplete

25 (75.8) 

9 (50.0) 

7 (21.2) 

8 (44.4) 

1 (3.0) 

1 (5.6) 

1 (25.0) 

0 (-) 

3 (75.0) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

0 (-) 

m. distance education staff Successful

Incomplete

16 (66.7) 

4 (100.0) 

7 (29.2) 

0 (-) 

1 (4.2) 

0 (-) 

3 (33.3) 

0 (-) 

5 (55.6) 

2 (100.0) 

1 (11.1) 

0 (-) 

* Numbers reduced because of the 'not applicable' category which is not included in this table. Not applicable applied where students had
responded 'never used' in question 23.

Item 'l' not included in this table as no students had made use of the 'facilities for disabled students' (see question 23 (l)).

Table A5.6 Question 26 - Responses from Indigenous and Non-indigenous Students Who had Withdrawn from University - Incompletes Only

Question 26 Indigenous Non-indigenous
How important were the each of the following factors in your decision to withdraw from university? Important Not Important Important Not Important
a. academic preparation (eg study skills, prerequisite knowledge) 14 (43.8) 18 (56.3) - 4 (100.0)
b. possibility of failing course 9 (28.1) 23 (71.9) 1 (25.0) 3 (75.0)
c. course work (not interesting, didn't pertain to life plans) 13 (40.6) 19 (59.4) - 4 (100.0)
d. University culture and facilities (helpfulness, adequate facilities) 12 (38.7) 19 (61.3) 2 (50.0) 2 (50.0)
e. accommodation (noisy, unable to study, poor housing) 13 (39.4) 20 (60.6) - 4 (100)
f. distance (long distance commuting, isolated from family and friends) 11 (33.3) 22 (66.7) 1 (25.0) 3 (75.0)
g. family tension (home problems, lack of understanding) 13 (40.6) 19 (59.4) - 4 (100.0)
h. health (serious illness, stress, pregnancy) 13 (40.6) 19 (59.4) 2 (50.0) 2 (50.0)
i. personal decisions (needed a break, change of life goals) 22 (68.8) 10 (31.3) 1 (25.0) 3 (75.0)
j. feedback on progress as a student 11 (34.4) 21 (65.7) 2 (50.0) 2 (50.0)
k. employment (new job, transfer, work pressure, schedule change) 18 (54.5) 15 (45.4) 4 (100.0) -
l. finances (not afford to study, major unexpected expenses) 21 (63.7) 12 (36.4) - 4 (100.0)
m. wanted to be with friends who do not attend university 3 (9.1) 30 (90.9) - 4 (100.0)
n. teaching staff unsupportive 10 (31.2) 22 (68.8) 1 (25.0) 3 (75.0)
o. grades/requirements unevenly applied to class 6 (18.2) 27 (81.8) - 4 (100.0)
p. the language used in lectures was unclear, and difficult to understand 6 (46.2) 7 (53.8) - 4 (100.0)

Table A5.7 Question 26 - Responses from Successful Indigenous and Non-indigenous Students

Question 26 Indigenous Non-indigenous
  If there was any time when you thought about withdrawing from university, which of the following factors were influencing your thoughts/feelings at the time? Important Not Important Important Not Important
a. academic preparation (eg study skills, prerequisite knowledge) 18 (40.0) 27 (60.0)  9 (47.4) 10 (52.6) 
b. possibility of failing course 23 (52.2) 21 (47.7)  5 (26.3) 14 (73.7) 
c. course work (not interesting, didn't pertain to life plans) 17 (37.7) 28 (62.2)  9 (47.4) 10 (52.6) 
d. University culture and facilities (helpfulness, adequate facilities) 19 (42.2) 26 (57.8)  7 (36.8) 12 (63.2) 
e. accommodation (noisy, unable to study, poor housing) 16 (35.6) 29 (64.5)  7 (38.9) 11 (61.1) 
f. distance (long distance commuting, isolated from family and friends) 16 (35.5) 29 (64.5)  4 (22.2) 14 (77.8) 
g. family tension (home problems, lack of understanding) 25 (55.6) 20 (44.4)  7 (36.9) 12 (63.2) 
h. health (serious illness, stress, pregnancy) 28 (62.2) 17 (37.8)  10 (52.6) 9 (45.4) 
i. personal decisions (needed a break, change of life goals) 26 (57.8) 19 (42.2)  9 (47.4) 10 (52.6) 
j. feedback on progress as a student 23 (51.1) 22 (48.8)  8 (42.1) 11 (57.9) 
k. employment (new job, transfer, work pressure, schedule change) 21 (46.7) 24 (53.3)  9 (50.0) 9 (50.0) 
l. finances (not afford to study, major unexpected expenses) 27 (60.0) 18 (40.0)  12 (63.2) 7 (36.9) 
m. wanted to be with friends who do not attend university 7 (15.6) 38 (84.4)  2 (11.2) 16 (88.9) 
n. teaching staff unsupportive 13 (28.9) 22 (71.1)  9 (47.3) 10 (52.6) 
o. grades/requirements unevenly applied to class 16 (35.6) 29 (64.5)  8 (40.0) 12 (60.0) 
p. the language used in lectures was unclear, and difficult to understand 14 (30.5) 32 (69.5)  9 (45.0) 11 (55.0)