Tertiary Learning Readiness among Pre-University Students in some Institutions in Sabah and Sarawak
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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
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This study investigated tertiary learning readiness among pre-university students enrolled in sixth form, matriculation and public university foundation study pathways of some institutions in Sabah and Sarawak. This study measured students’ readiness for tertiary learning from a psychosocial perspective. In addition, this study also investigated differences in readiness for tertiary education based on gender, ethnicity, study pathway and English Language use at home. A comparative cross-sectional survey research design was used in this study. An instrument, PRITES (Psychosocial Readiness for Tertiary Education Scales) was used to collect data on students’ psychosocial readiness for tertiary learning. PRITES measured five dimensions of psychosocial readiness, namely, Academic Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulated Learning, Effort and Mindset, Motivation and Goal Orientation and Persistence and Determination. The sample of the study was 481 students in Sabah and Sarawak. Findings of the study showed that the students had a moderate level of psychosocial readiness for tertiary education. Specifically, they were moderately ready in terms of Effort and Mindset, Motivation and Goal Orientation and Persistence and Determination. Female students, students at foundation study pathway and Malay students were readier in terms of their psychosocial readiness for tertiary learning. Hence, based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that the relevant authorities consider designing appropriate intervention strategies to elevate students tertiary learning experience specifically targeted at male students, sixth formers and Malay students. Further studies involving longitudinal and experimental study design and a wider range of students with equivalent qualifications (such as polytechnic and community colleges diploma study pathways) should also be carried out to validate the results from this study.