Factors Influencing Students’ Retention in Open Distance Learning During Pandemic Covid-19

Abstract

Online learning has continued to grow in recent years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, retaining students engaged in online learning has proven difficult. It has been reported that retaining students for online programmes can be a challenge in public or private. This research reflects a broad goal to enhance student retention rates at a large online distance university. This study’s aims to investigate the factors that motivate students to complete their studies and at the same time established important factors that the university management can consider looking after. The focus of this study is on undergraduate students in open distance learning universities. This study used questionnaires to collect data from university students using Google Forms. Data has been collected from active undergraduate students in the university for the year 2021. The data collected were then analyzed using Smart PLS. The result revealed that students’ motivation and tuition fees were the factors influencing the retention issue in the university. The results help in formulating measures to meet the diverse needs of Open Distance Learning students for persistence in their studies.