Investigating the predictive validity of Mathematics and Science Students at University

Predictive validity of student admission is an incubator programme for producing quality teachers that can enhance performance of learner's achievement in Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Grade 12. The key issue examined in the paper is whether the admission policy used in Natural Sciences programmes has made a significant contribution to their success in career prospects. In an effort to widen understanding regarding the factors that predict the performance, prior academic achievement were examined. 17 students admitted to the Central University of Technology, Free State in the B.Ed: Natural Science programme majoring in Mathematics and Physical Science at the beginning of the 2004 academic year were sampled for the study. The results reveal that Grade 12 results pass in Mathematics and Physical Sciences had significant effect on student throughput and progress. A pass in university mathematics were associated with significantly less time before graduation, better career progression and better productivity in the teaching subjects.