Title page for ETD etd-02162012-115146

Document Type

Master's Dissertation

Author

Logie, Monica

URN

etd-02162012-115146

Document Title

Learning potential and academic literacy tests as predictors of academic performance for engineering students

Degree

MCom

Department

Human Resource Management

Supervisor

Advisor Name	Title
Prof P Schaap	Supervisor

Keywords

regression test
learning potential
academic performance
engineering students
Kruskal-Wallis test
correlation analyses

Date

2007-09-01

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate a battery of tests to be used as part of the process of selecting bursary students for engineering at tertiary institutions. Due to the problems in the schooling system it is not conclusive that all students who have obtained their senior certificates are prepared and able to meet the demands and challenges of tertiary education. The purpose of this study was to determine the criterion related validity of a mathematic proficiency test, Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive Test (LPCAT) and English Literacy Skills Assessment (ELSA) as predictors of academic performance. A quantitative approach was used for the purpose of this study. More specifically the Ex post facto analyses/design is used in this study. The relationships between the dependent and independent variables were determined. Correlation analyses, Kruskal-Wallis test and regression analysis were used for the purpose of this study. The results indicated that the Mathematical proficiency test was the best predictor of academic success, followed by LPCAT and ELSA. The results of this study indicates that the use of academic literacy and learning potential contribute in selecting the best students. Companies and Universities have long been looking for a predictor or predictors of success for students as they enter tertiary studies. This information has the potential to save companies and universities millions of Rands annually by helping them make better investment decisions.

© 2010 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

Please cite as follows:
Logie, M 2010, Learning potential and academic literacy tests as predictors of academic performance for engineering students , MCom dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02162012-115146/ >
C12/4/202/ag

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