ERIC Number: EJ1112891
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0729-4360
EISSN: N/A
Why Students Drop out of the Bachelor of Arts
Mestan, Kemran
Higher Education Research and Development, v35 n5 p983-996 2016
Attrition, which courses in the humanities and social sciences particularly suffer from, is a major problem for universities and students. This paper investigates the reasons students give for prematurely discontinuing studying the Bachelor of Arts. This is a qualitative study that thematically analyses semi-structured interviews. The sample represented a cross-section of the population of students enrolled in the course. The reasons for attrition can be divided into course-related or personal reasons. Amongst course-related reasons, the most important relate to: career direction and purpose, subject range and peer bonding, as well as teaching quality. Personal issues that interfere with study relate to illness, finances and employment. Course-related and personal reasons also interact and reinforce each other, with students studying the humanities and social sciences more vulnerable to personal pressures due to course-related reasons. Student engagement with support services is also analysed, and conclusions drawn on how attrition can be addressed.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Bachelors Degrees, Dropouts, Student Attrition, Qualitative Research, Academic Persistence, Semi Structured Interviews, Dropout Attitudes, Humanities, Social Sciences, Foreign Countries, Case Studies, Student Satisfaction, Student Interests, Learner Engagement, Career Choice, Peer Relationship, Teacher Effectiveness, Educational Quality, Health, Well Being, Coping, Financial Problems, Age Differences, Student Personnel Services, School Holding Power
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A