Undergraduate Students’ Perspective on Factors Affecting their Academic Performance: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

This research aimed at discovering the factors which affect the academic performance of undergraduate college/university students. Qualitative research design was implied and semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Sample included 15 (N=15, females=10, males=5) students studying in undergraduate programs at different public sector colleges/universities. Thematic analysis was used to find out the factors which affect academic performance of undergraduate college/university students. Three major themes clusters emerged naming positive factors, negative factors and suggestive factors. Both positive and negative factors contained sub themes like psychological factors (e.g. determination, casual behavior) social/external factors (e.g., social support, excessive use of social media) and academic factors (conceptual study, language difficulties) while suggestive themes contained sub themes like steps by students and steps by teachers/institutes. Results have implications for students, teachers and policy makers. Findings may guide both students and institutes in working to improve the academic performance of undergraduate college/university students.