South Africa faces a tertiary dropout challenge. Mark Anderson, Principal and Co-founder of Koa Academy, explains how quality online schools can bridge the gap by developing essential skills like critical thinking and self-management to move beyond rote learning and prepare students for university demands and the modern world.
A significant number of South African students struggle to complete their tertiary degrees, with many dropping out before graduation. This “dropout crisis” raises questions about how well high schools, including online options popular with homeschooling families, are preparing learners for the demands of university. Simply achieving good matric results isn’t always enough.
Mark Anderson, Principal and Co-founder of Koa Academy, points out a critical gap: “Many high schools aren’t bridging the gap in terms of higher-order thinking and responsibility skills”. It’s not just about harder work; it’s about developing the right skills. So, how can tertiary preparation at online schools equip students for success?
Beyond Memorisation: Cultivating Critical Thinking
Many traditional school approaches focus heavily on memorising facts and repeating information – what Anderson calls lower-order thinking. This can lead students to believe every question has a single correct answer to be memorised. However, university and real-world problems rarely work that way. Forward-thinking schools, including effective online schools, prioritise developing critical thinking skills. This involves:
- Analysis: Breaking down complex information.
- Evaluation: Assessing the credibility and relevance of sources.
- Interpretation: Understanding data and drawing reasoned conclusions.
- Problem-Solving: Applying knowledge to new situations.
“If I teach you how to think critically, how to evaluate information and construct a good argument… you’ll have the thinking skills to solve the problem,” explains Anderson. Students adept at higher-order thinking can tackle unfamiliar exam questions or real-life challenges effectively, rather than being stumped because they haven’t memorised a specific answer. Indeed, the development of critical thinking has been a key objective in South African education reforms aimed at producing independent learners capable of navigating complex information, as outlined in the SA Journal of Education.
Bridging the “Personal Responsibility Gap”
Another significant hurdle for new university students is managing themselves and their workload. “Managing yourself and your work competently is a foundational expectation when you get to university,” Anderson states. Yet, in many high school environments, teachers and parents often manage schedules and deadlines for the student for too long. Developing student self-management skills needs to start much earlier. This includes learning to:
- Organise study time effectively.
- Meet deadlines independently.
- Take ownership of learning tasks.
- Seek help proactively when needed.
Online learning environments can provide excellent opportunities to create this independence, especially when balancing guided instruction with self-paced work.
How Online Schools Can Foster University Readiness SA
Success in preparing students isn’t guaranteed by either traditional or online models; it depends on the focus. However, online learning in South Africa offers unique advantages if leveraged intentionally. Effective tertiary preparation often features:
- Balanced Learning: A mix of live, interactive sessions with teachers and self-paced modules allows students to engage deeply while also developing accountability for their own progress. Meaningful teacher engagement prevents students from feeling isolated or solely responsible for navigating complex material.
- Focus on Higher-Order Skills: Curricula and assessments (like those from the IEB, used by schools like Koa) are designed to promote analysis and critical evaluation rather than just recall.
- University-Style Interaction: Small group sessions or workshops can mimic the tutorial experiences common in tertiary settings, building confidence and communication skills.
- Development of Digital Literacy: Navigating online platforms, managing digital resources, and communicating effectively online are essential skills for further study and the modern workplace.
Concerns about readiness are widespread; a PPS survey indicated over half of South African students felt unprepared for tertiary education, highlights the need for better preparation strategies.
Asking the Right Questions
When evaluating preparation for university readiness in SA, Anderson suggests parents ask:
- Accreditation: Who is the school registered with (e.g., IEB, SACAI)? Does the examining body’s approach align with developing skills needed for university?
- Interaction: What type and frequency of interaction will my child have with teachers? What are the group sizes for live sessions? (Meaningful interaction is key in online learning).
- Accountability: How does the school monitor progress and ensure students take age-appropriate responsibility for their work online? What tools are used?
He also advises parents to remain curious about their child’s evolving interests. “Modern careers are no longer linear… ask lots of questions, really listen deeply to your child and then be open to the answers”.
How are your preparations going?
Does your online school focus on critical thinking and self-management? Share your experiences or questions about preparing for university in the comments! Help other families by sharing this post, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more educational insights.