Dropouts and Budgets: A Test of a Dropout Reduction Model among Students in Israeli Higher Education

Ran Bar-Am,Osama Arar

doi:10.12973/eu-jer.6.2.134

Abstract

<p style="text-align:justify">This article deals with the problem of student dropout during the first year in a higher education institution. To date, no model on a budget has been developed and tested to prevent dropout among Engineering Students. This case study was conducted among first-year students taking evening classes in two practical engineering colleges in Israel. There are three dimensions of the dropout reduction model: social support, institutional support and personal commitment. The results of the intervention had a positive effect on all three dimensions.</p>

Highlights

In 2015, 310,000 students studied in Israeli colleges and universities
The six experts who responded to the Delphi questionnaire agreed that lack of institutional support (83%) is a key factor in student dropout
The model is based on three key values which have been supported and validated by six experts using Delphi method

Summary

Introduction

In 2015, 310,000 students studied in Israeli colleges and universities. The state, through the Committee for Planning and Budgeting if the Higher Education Council, subsidizes every student with 20,000 NIS on average. About 25% of college students drop out. A third of those who drop out of Israeli practical engineering colleges drop out in the first year (Ayalon & Mcdossi, 2016; Fichten et al, 2016). The state invests close to a billion NIS annually without return. Higher education establishments lose about 300 million NIS from loss of tuition (Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 2014). 'Currently too many students in the EU drop out before they complete their higher education degree. Students from a lower socio-economic background and other disadvantaged groups are the most likely to drop out'. Students from a lower socio-economic background and other disadvantaged groups are the most likely to drop out'. (Quinn, 2013: page 7)

Methods

Results

Conclusion