Aspects of students\' learning that affect control of their texts: The Writing Centre\'s experience

Abstract

The University of Cape Town (UCT) attracts a diverse student population in terms of language and cultural backgrounds. However, it is still apparent that students from
certain backgrounds are less successful than others at the university. A close
examination of students\' behaviours and attitudes towards their learning may give
indications as to where problems lie. The Writing Centre at UCT is ideally placed to
explore such factors, due to the individual nature of its work with students and to its
data collection. In this article, through an analysis of the reports on observations of
students\' behaviours and difficulties arising in consultations, aspects of students\'
management of and relationships within their learning and how these affect control
of their texts one examined. Suggestions, based on these, as to how the institution
could improve its provision of access to and within its learning environment and
cater for its diverse student population..

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 19 (4) 2005: pp.715-734