Collection of Data and Analysis



Collection of Data and Analysis

Results of the Case Study

The discussions mostly focused on the concerns from those attendees who felt that they were not prepared for the programs. An upcoming paper competition was also discussed, which contained a few submissions from those learners who hailed from different minority groups. The attendees came up with methods for encouraging more submissions. They think that the speed needed for the freshman yearlong Mathematics program is creating difficulties for them. For those learners who usually do not understand a concept quick enough, may fall behind (UNISA, 2012).

The attendees found that many teaching assistants are not easy to understand, and the professors do not find enough time to work with their students on a one on one basis. They find managing work and school difficult. The learners are always prepared for the rigor of the program; however they are not prepared when it comes to time management and study skills. The quality regarding the preparation in most high schools that are in the urban areas is not as modern as ones in the wealthier districts. It is sometimes felt by the learners that they are at a disadvantage because of these high school disparities (Sapsford, 2006).

African Americans and Hispanic learners are at times really intimated by the competition, especially the one coming from the White Americans and the Asian learners. Therefore submitting papers is perceived by them as an activity that is a total waste of time, as they know that the probability of winning is very low for them (UNISA, 2012). The Asian American learners are not satisfied with the idea that they are seen by many as role models. They also complain that they have to face the same educational and economic pressures as the other minorities. Another perceived barrier for the learners among the faculty happens to be the lack of minority representation while speaking up or entering a competition. According to them, having a fair amount of representation in the faculty can make a significant difference. It is believed by many people that more options for mentoring opportunities are required at an early stage in the program.

Difficulties faced by the Learners

Many learners hailing from immigrant or migrant families perceive that there happens to be a lack in support for improvement in the proficiency of the English language. For them, reading English is a lot easier than speaking it, understanding the lectures and taking down notes (UNISA, 2012). Many professors show a lack of patience when the learners have to struggle a lot for expressing themselves in a language that is alien to them. Many learners are reluctant to speak up and ask for any clarification because they fear that they might be laughed at because of their accents, and they also fear that their accents might anger the professors (Sapsford, 2006).

Many students, who belong to the minority groups, also face difficulty in balancing school and work. Most of them have a difficulty in setting up their social ...