Perceptions of educational administrators and students of the causes of academic failure among Malaysian students in a University in Egypt: a case study

Abstract

This qualitative analysis investigated failure rates of Malaysian students at a university in Egypt. A worrying number of Malaysian undergraduate students fail their exams on a range of 40-70% annually at the university. This study aims to identify the underlying reasons for the high failure rate, including the potential role that non-mastery of the Arabic language may play in students’ performances. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with two high-ranking officers from the Malaysian Student Department (MSD) in Cairo, Egypt, and two Malaysian undergraduate students studying at the university. Open-ended questions were employed, and the interviews were audio-recorded. Prior to data collection, nine pilot interviews were conducted concerning the study. Despite the sample size, the open-ended nature of the questions ensured that sufficient information was obtained to allow some inferences to be made about the failure rate of the Malaysian undergraduate students. The findings pointed to a number of potential contributory factors, such as a negative attitude of the students toward their studies, a lack of proficiency in Arabic through which lessons are taught, weaknesses in the university’s educational system, and financial problems faced by the students. The study yielded information on how to overcome or at least minimize the factors involved in the student failure rates. Suggestions highlighted were on the elements needed to support the process of learning which included, the students’ attitude towards their studies, the need for early preparation, strategic learning, to increase reading, to search for ways to improve understanding, to study in groups, to conduct extra classes, to limit extra activities, to improve Arabic language proficiency, and the essential actions and interventions from the higher authorities involved. Generally, this study provides useful insights into the factors that could impede a student’s academic performance when studying abroad.