Enhancing Quality at Input Level: Remedial/Developmental Education in Ethiopian Private Higher Institutions

Abstract

The most essential purpose of remedial courses is to prepare students to be successful in the college curriculum. Beyond this it is reasonable to assume, for instance, that there are societal and economic benefits associated with the provision of remedial education to less prepared students. It contributes to better employment opportunities for students, improved skills for the workforce, and subsequent benefits for society and the economy. It is imperative to assess the practice of remedial education from the demand and supply side. Thus, this study specifically aims to identify the remedial needs of students through investigating the extent to which faculty members believe the students’ preparedness for their studies in higher education and by identifying gaps in basic skills through students’ questionnaire. Furthermore the study aims to identify the organization and delivery of remedial (developmental) education in the two Private Higher Institutions namely St. Mary’s University College and Unity University College. The study identifies specific basic college skill needs in language and arithmetic on the bases of teachers’ perception of students’ difficulty and their rating of perceived importance and difficulties. Cataloging common difficulties of students, the study focuses on establishing a system that would respond and propose methods in responding the needs.