Underperformance of students at institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe in the 21st century: possible explanations

Abstract

Decline in performance levels not only at institutions of higher learning but even at lower levels of education have been noticeable in Zimbabwe in the 21st Century. This is despite all these efforts made by the government, it has come to the attention of college and university authorities and even the parents that many students in these institutions of higher learning are failing to perform as per the expected standards. The quality of graduates produced together with the degree or diploma classes obtained by most students at the end indicates poor performance by these students in their various majors. It is within this backdrop that these researchers attempt to give possible explanation to the underperformance of students at institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe in the 21st century. Methodologically, the researchers made use of secondary sources such as published books and articles, interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires in the writing of this paper. The data collected from these questionnaires was complemented with information collected from interviews. Key informants included college and university students and university staff. Views and opinions were also solicited from the general public. The information, facts, opinions and views solicited from these different groups of people provided the researchers with valuable information needed in the writing of this paper.