Factores Asociados a la Repetición de Cursos y Retraso en la Graduación en Programas de Ingeniería de la Universidad de Cartagena, en Colombia

Abstract

In the present investigation the factors associated with course repetition and delay of graduation in the Engineering programs of the University of Cartagena in Colombia, were identified and discussed. Several studies suggest that repetition and academic delay are indicative of failure of the education systems, aspects that are analyzed in this work. Statistical bulletins of the University of Cartagena and data from the Information Systems of the Colombian Ministry of Education were reviewed. The highest percentages of repetition were found in the Food Engineering program (31.4%) and in the area of physics (33.9%). No differences between programs (p>0.05) were detected. It is evident, from the results, that repetition was due to poor study habits, which did not vary by gender (p>0.05). The academic delay was associated with delay in the graduation work (bachelor thesis) which was different between genders (p<0.05).