WSU STUDY EXPOSES LANGUAGE BARRIERS HINDERING STUDENT SUCCESS

An investigation by two academics from Walter Sisulu University’s Directorate for Teaching and Learning has revealed a concerning trend: many students struggle to grasp key components of their coursework due to limited English proficiency.

In their study, “Overcoming Linguistic Barriers: Assessing the Role of Writing Centres from Students’ Perspectives at WSU,” Dr. Munienge Mbodila and Perfect Okojie examined how effectively the Writing Centre at the Buffalo City Campus supports students facing challenges with academic English.

“Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with eight undergraduate students and quantitative data from supplementary surveys. The exploratory sequential design enabled an in-depth understanding of students’ experiences, which informed the subsequent quantitative analysis,” explained Okojie.

The study found that students face multiple obstacles throughout their academic journey. These include frequent code-switching by lecturers, limited awareness and use of Writing Centre services, difficulty understanding academic language and course materials, and insufficient referrals from lecturers to the Writing Centre.

According to Okojie, these barriers significantly hinder students’ academic writing development and overall performance.

The research also highlights the role of institutional language policies and practices in perpetuating these challenges, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

“Students emphasised the importance of the Writing Centre in mitigating linguistic barriers and fostering academic success. Their perspectives reveal that writing centres not only support language development but also promote inclusivity, collaboration, and improved academic outcomes,” Okojie noted.

By centring student voices, the study demonstrates the Writing Centre’s pivotal function in addressing linguistic inequities and improving access to learning at WSU.

Okojie emphasised that strengthening Writing Centre initiatives—alongside increasing faculty engagement—can enhance student comprehension, classroom participation, and productivity, ultimately contributing to higher pass rates and stronger academic communities.

By Thando Cezula