Tutor-student relationship and its role in promoting first-year students' adaptation to university Online publication date: Wed, 01-Feb-2023
by Oncemore Mbeve; Samantha Mhlanga
International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability (IJHES), Vol. 4, No. 2, 2022
Abstract: The role of tutor-student relationship in supporting first-year university students' adjustment to high academic demands is not broadly studied in South Africa. This study aimed to explore tutor-student relationship and its impact in promoting first-years' social and academic adjustment to higher education. We used data from a larger study that evaluated a tutorial programme in a university, in Johannesburg. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data in both one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. For this paper we used data from 13 participants. Findings demonstrate that the immense workload that students encounter is their primary challenge. However, a positive tutor-student relationship was greatly supportive to students' adaptation and success. We recommend that universities continue to invest in fruitful tutor-student relationships. Further research is also required to understand the role of the type, and nature of rapport effective in enhancing students' higher learning success in South Africa.
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