Student Retention Rates Research Articles

What’s Your STEMspiration?: Adaptation and Validation of A Survey Instrument

Millions of dollars each year are invested in intervention programs to broaden participation and improve bachelor degree graduation rates of students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The Virginia–North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (VA-NC Alliance), a consortium of 11 higher education institutions and one federal laboratory funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is one such investment., The VA-NC Alliance partners implement evidence-based STEM intervention programs (SIPs) informed by research and specifically designed to increase student retention and graduation rates in STEM majors. The VA-NC Alliance is conducting an Alliance-wide longitudinal research project based in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) titled “What’s Your STEMspiration?” The goal of the research project is to assess the differentiated impacts and effectiveness of the Alliance’s broadening participation efforts and identify emergent patterns, adding to the field of knowledge about culturally responsive SIPs. In other words, “What’s Your STEMspiration?” explores what influences and inspires undergraduates to pursue a STEM degree and career; and how does the development of a STEM identity support students in achieving their goals. In order to complete this research, the research team developed a survey instrument to conduct the quantitative portion of the study. Two preliminary studies, statistical analysis, and cognitive interviews were used to develop and validate the survey instrument. This paper discusses the theoretical and conceptual frameworks and preliminary studies upon which the survey is built, the methodology used to validate the instrument, and the resulting final survey tool.

To cheat or not to cheat? An investigation into the ethical behaviors of generation Z

Cheating in higher education has numerous negative implications, including degrading program reputations, inflating student retention rates, and cultivating poor ethical practices, all of which have implications for what students do in the workplace after graduation. Therefore, by understanding the current student population, Generation Z, it is argued that faculty are better equipped to combat cheating behaviors. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and Deterrence Theory, this study examines factors that faculty can influence, in particular, assignment controls to deter cheating and types of assignments given. Generation Z students indicated that their perceptions of faculty’s use of assignment controls increased their perception of getting caught, which, in turn, decreased cheating intentions. Students were more likely to cheat on coursework over written assignments and examinations. Furthermore, assignment controls create the greatest decrease in coursework cheating. This study has important implications for those involved in minimizing cheating opportunities.

Can Undergraduate Research Participation Reduce the Equity Gap?

Undergraduate research (UGR), one of several high-impact practices (HIPs) in education, can positively impact student retention and graduation rates. However, not all students take advantage of UGR opportunities, with fewer students from underrepresented minority groups, those with first-generation status, and students eligible for a Pell grant or federally subsidized loan. We obtained retention and graduation data from our Office of Institutional Research and Planning for all UGR participants for academic years 2009–2010 to 2016–2017. We specifically focused on data for UGR participants from underrepresented demographics that historically have lower retention and graduation rates than those of the overall student body. We created Sankey-like ribbon diagrams to analyze the characteristics of UGR participants, whether they participated in UGR for 1 year or longer, their class standings when they started UGR, retention rates for 1st- and 2nd-year students for the year following their UGR participation, and graduation rates for all participants. Our data show that irrespective of demographics, students who participated in UGR were significantly more likely to persist in college and graduate within 6 years compared to students who did not. Persistence and success in college may depend on students’ socioeconomic status, sense of belonging, and other factors. Assessing the impact of a single HIP, such as UGR, on retention and graduation rates, can, therefore, be complicated. However, our study indicates that UGR participation can significantly improve persistence and success for students traditionally considered “at-risk,” irrespective of their socioeconomic status, family background, or class standing.. This information can be important for campus leaders and other stakeholders interested in facilitating student success and reducing the equity gap by incorporating UGR in more students’ college experiences. We describe our analytical methods and discusses our findings. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of Sankey-like diagrams for visualizing and analyzing large programmatic data sets, and as a tool for communicating program impacts to a general audience.

Pathway patterns mobility study of first time vs. transfer students in computer science and information technology programs at a public university

PurposePostsecondary institutions use metrics such as student retention and college completion rates to measure student success. Multiple factors affect the success of first time in college (FTIC) and transfer students. Transfer student success rates are significantly low, with most transfer students nationwide failing to complete their degrees in four-year institutions. The purpose of this study is to better understand the degree progression patterns of both student types in two undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs: computer science (CS) and information technology (IT). Recommendations concerning academic advising are discussed to improve transfer student success.Design/methodology/approachThis study describes how transfer student success can be improved by thoroughly analyzing their degree progression patterns. This study uses institutional data from a public university in the United States. Specifically, this study utilizes the data of FTIC and transfer students enrolled in CS and IT programs at the targeted university to understand their degree progression patterns and analyzes the program curricula using network science curricular analytics method to determine what courses in the curriculum require more assistance to retain students.FindingsThe major findings of this study are: (1) students’ degree mobility patterns within an institution differ significantly between transfer and FTIC students; (2) some similarities exist between the CS and IT programs in terms of transfer students' degree mobility patterns; (3) transfer students' performance in basic and intermediate level core courses contribute to differences in transfer students' mobility patterns.Originality/valueThis study introduces the concept of “mobility patterns” and examines student degree mobility patterns of both FTIC and transfer students in a large public university to improve the advising process for transfer students regarding courses and identifying secondary majors.

Examining Individualism in College Student Retention Theory and Practice

College student retention and completion rates correlate with the production of societal benefits such as community engagement, human capital, diverse campus communities, and social mobility. While ideas vary, most contemporary retention practices and strategies rely on foundational studies that focus on individualism, the student-institution relationship, and inhibiting factors to student integration into a collegiate environment. This meta-synthesis examines the individualistic nature of foundational historic and contemporary retention theories and practices as well as recommends a collectivist, culturally-responsive alternative paradigm for retention theory and strategy development moving forward.

The reasons why parents choose to transfer students with special educational needs from Irish immersion education

There have been many instances when parents have been advised by educational professionals against bilingualism or immersion education for their child with special educational needs (SEN). Some parents follow the advice given and decide to use only one language with their child, mainly the majority language of the community. This study investigated the reasons why students with SEN transferred from Irish immersion primary education in the Republic of Ireland. The data presented contains information from a questionnaire completed by a random stratified sample of Irish immersion primary schools (20%, N = 29). It also contains data from semi-structured interviews with the parents of six students with a range of SEN who transferred from this form of education due to their learning difficulties. Questionnaires were analysed using SPSS and the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study are particularly important, as internationally, the reasons why students with SEN transfer from immersion education is under researched. Furthermore, having an understanding of why these transfers occur will enable Irish immersion education and other forms of immersion education to gain an insight as to how they can adjust their practices in order to better meet the needs of all their students and subsequently, improve their student achievement and retention rates.

Promoting divergent leadership philosophies to improve student success outcomes for black and brown students in higher education

Abstract Throughout the United States there are millions of Black and Brown students starting the process of attending college. However, research indicates that students from traditionally marginalized groups are less likely than their counterparts to complete the process and graduate college (Shapiro et al., 2017). While retention rates for students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds continue to decline, universities are beginning to pay attention to the needs of this population in search of ways of better supporting them. The examination of these factors may also inform programmatic adjustments, leadership philosophies, and future practices to help retain students and lead to eventual completion of a baccalaureate degree. In this article, the authors review the literature to explore factors that can affect Black and Brown students’ completion rates in higher education. By reviewing the literature and the factors impacting Black and Brown students, the authors share with readers initiatives at one university that are being used to support students from a strengths-based approach.

Meeting Household Food Needs: A Qualitative Examination of Food Access among Parenting Community College Students

ABSTRACT Community college students are experiencing food insecurity at high rates, and students with children are especially vulnerable with as many as 67% being food insecure. To understand food access in certain populations, previous research has examined the food shopping strategies implemented by families to manage a tight budget. In this study we employ a qualitative method to understand food access among parenting community college students, as no studies to date have explored their experiences. We used general qualitative inquiry to document the strategies students implemented to meet their food needs. We conducted interviews with community college students with at least one dependent child (N = 18). Participants were asked about shopping strategies and food choices when on a tight food budget. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Three themes emerged related to the strategies used to manage tight household budgets. First, students reported shopping at multiple food stores to find the best prices. Second, they adjusted food budgets based on overall household expenses. Third, they only purchased foods that would be eaten by their children to meet food preferences. Interview results highlighted student adaptability and ingenuity, yet students often had to juggle competing factors and purchased less of certain foods to stay within their budget. Community colleges should provide programming to increase food access to improve student retention and completion rates. In addition to creating campus-based programs, institutions can work with local organizations to connect students to resources (e.g., food pantries) to provide students with additional support.

The built environment in a winter climate: improving university campus design for student wellbeing

ABSTRACT Like urban environments, the campus built environment can influence general wellbeing of students. At the same time, campuses are their own unique form and need to be analysed in their own way. This study identifies elements of the campus built environment that contribute to student wellbeing, including urban design qualities, considerations of safety and accessibility, and winter design strategies. Using the University of Alberta North Campus as a case study, evaluation criteria synthesised from a literature scan are used to assess Quad. This research identifies key design interventions and policy recommendations that are broadly applicable to northern university campuses. By exploring relationships between the university campus built environment and student wellbeing, we can gain insight into how to create an environment that promotes a sense of positive wellbeing for students. Such environments can contribute to better student success rates through higher academic performance, student retention, and graduation rates.

Integrating design science research and design based research frameworks for developing education support systems

This paper proposes an integrated research framework that takes advantage of the similarities of design science research (DSR) and Design-based research (DBR) for developing a new decision support system (DSS) artefact. Firstly, the paper discusses the progression of DSR in the Information Systems and evolution of DBR in educational technology notifying the similarities and limitations. Next, we apply our proposed framework combining DSR and DBR to develop and effectively evaluate the artefact of the Educational DSS that can be used to identify students at risk and improve student retention and completion rate. Further, our paper creates a basis of methodological guide to construct and evaluate a machine learning (ML) based DSS artefact by conformity to the features and tenets of commonalities between DSR and DBR and correlating them to Peffer’s design science research approach. In line with the characteristic of DSR and DBR, the development framework that we proposed will be used as a new source of knowledge to design any IT artefact in the education domain.

Evaluating a combined intervention targeting at‐risk post‐secondary students: When it comes to graduating, mental health matters

AbstractAmid reports of the surging mental health crisis among students, a related area of concern for many post‐secondary institutions is retention rates. Mental distress has been shown to impact academic functioning, leading to decreased academic performance and dropout. This quantitative study evaluated a 12‐week combined counselling intervention programme designed to improve both the mental health and academics of 244 self‐referred, at‐risk students at a Canadian university. Differences pre‐ and post‐programme were examined among the following groups: those who were struggling academically, those who were mentally distressed and those who were experiencing both issues. Mental health, academic functioning and academic performance were measured pre‐ and post‐programme by means of Likert‐style questionnaires and overall grade point average (GPA). Results of paired‐samples t tests demonstrated that all groups experienced significant improvement in academic performance, academic functioning and mental health. Almost all students who presented to the programme on academic warning were able to increase their grades in order to remain in their programmes, avoiding suspension. Findings demonstrate the programme's potential to provide support for university students who are struggling both academically and mentally, as well as increasing student retention rates. Discussion of these results highlights the implications for the implementation of holistic, combined intervention approaches within university policy to increase student retention rates and answer student calls for increased mental health support.

Redesigning Developmental Mathematics Education: Implementation and Outcomes

ABSTRACT Developmental mathematics is often a barrier to student progress and success in college. As a result and for this reason, this research study describes the redesign of a developmental mathematics course at a U.S. East Coast university to decrease the amount of time it takes for students to complete their developmental requirement and increase the success rate of students who move on to college-level mathematics. It also describes the motivation for the redesign and the implementation process. An analysis of quantitative data relating to student performance provides insight into how the course redesign presents opportunities and challenges for student progress and learning. The redesign demonstrated a high percentage of students passing the course over three years and has contributed to a high retention rate for developmental mathematics students. Recommendations for colleges and universities are included.

Predicting the Academic Success of Minority Male Students in a Public 4-Year Institution in the USA

Several studies have shown that nationally, retention and graduation rates of minority male students in higher education remains comparatively low. While most studies focus on factors accounting for low academic performance and achievement, and low retention and graduation rates of minority students, this study investigated the factors that contribute to minority male students’ success in a 4-year public institution. One hundred sixty successful minority male students took the College Student Experience Questionnaire (CSEQ). Using cumulative GPA (cGPA) as the criterion variable, three sets of explanatory variables (active learning index, cooperation among students, and college environment index) were regressed to determine the set of variables that best predict student success. The multiple linear regression result shows that the amount of time per week of studies toward academic work best predicts student success.

Improving Outcomes for At-Risk MSW Students: A Pilot e-Mentorship Program Using A Near-Peer Model

ABSTRACT Much research exists to support the positive effects of mentorship programs on improving grades and retention rates for MSW students. With the rapid growth in online MSW programs, the need to provide mentorship in electronic formats is also increasing. This retrospective longitudinal study examines the impact of an electronically delivered (“e-mentorship”) program on MSW student success factors. Twenty MSW students at risk of program failure, most of whom were geographically dispersed across a South-Central U.S. State, were offered the opportunity to participate in a near-peer mentorship program conducted primarily through electronic means. Students were provided academic resource information and study tips. Those who engaged in e-mentorship worked on action plans aimed at addressing academic barriers. Compared to students who did not contact the mentor for assistance (n = 10), students who actively engaged the mentor (n = 10) showed significant improvement in grades, removal from probationary status, and retention/graduation.

Academic Self-Concept and Critical Thinking Dispositions: Devising a Predictive Model of College Students’ Degree Commitment

Educational researchers incessantly endeavor to address underlying reasons for academic success/failure, and Degree Commitment constitutes a critical sought-after academic outcome regarding college students, which is considerably associated with higher student retention rates. Educational institutions may create effective preventive strategies and interventions for minimizing attrition issues by identifying factors leading to higher Degree Commitment. The aim of the current research was to explore the potential predictive relationship between higher demonstration of college students’ Academic Self-Concept and higher levels of Critical Thinking Dispositions on their commitment of further pursuing their chosen degree. A questionnaire-based survey method was employed, adopting a correlational design on a recruited purposive sample of 120 Greek college students of a privately-owned educational institution. A multiple regression statistical analysis generated a weak positive correlation (9.2%) between the predictors, with Academic Self-Concept being the strongest predictor of Degree Commitment, implying that the combination of the aforementioned academic facets significantly predicts Degree Commitment, but with a small generalization explanatory power to a population sharing common characteristics with the utilized sample. Although the devised model is of minimal practical use, it proposes an initial attempt to construct a holistic model of academic success, while simultaneously highlighting the necessity for developing interventions that robustly target Critical Thinking Dispositions and, most importantly, Academic Self-Concept. Future research may explore factors influencing the predictors under investigation, compare them between students deriving from traditional educational systems and those deriving from international educational systems, and explore alternative factors concerning college success and attrition within various sociocultural contexts.

Developmental Education Redesign in Colorado

AbstractColorado's Community College System's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training (TAACCCT) grant facilitated and supported the state's redesign of developmental education (DE) to increase rates of student retention and completion across fifteen community colleges. This chapter presents observations about the process of transforming Colorado's DE policy and practice, challenges faced, insights about institutional change, and the role the TAACCCT grant played.

Selective Education in Guyana: Comparing the Psychosocial Well-Being of Students Across Schools

Selective education research has demonstrated that students are aware of the low status of being allocated to a low-ability school. Recent data in Guyana has shown that low-ability school attendance is associated with low rates of student attendance, retention, and graduation. This study aims to understand the effects of ability grouping on students by comparing the psychosocial well-being of students from different ability schools. Data was collected from a sample of 193 adolescents (70 males and 123 females) aged 13-18 from four secondary schools; representing the four school ability rankings. It was hypothesised that student psychosocial well-being would be significantly lower in low-ability schools compared to high-ability schools. Unexpectedly, the results indicated that the highest ability school had significantly lower psychosocial well-being than the other lower ability schools. The results may be potentially explained by the theory of Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect, however confirmation in future research is warranted.

Student Pharmacists' Assessment of a Serious Game on Opioid Medication Safety.

To explore second- and third-year student pharmacists' perspectives on the design and use of a digital game to teach opioid medication safety. To explore the game-based learning approach to teach about appropriate drug use and pediatric education. The lead author developed MedSMART: Adventures in PharmaCity, an educational video game focused on adolescent opioid safety. Second- and third-year students in a Midwestern School of Pharmacy enrolled in an elective course focused on appropriate use of abused drugs, played the digital game during a classroom session on adolescent opioid misuse. Using a small group discussion guide, students summarized their reflections and perspectives on gameplay. Students retained fundamental messages of the game including opioid safety and identified that social interactions contribute to decision-making and consequences of opioid misuse. Student pharmacists found the game's visual appearance engaging, dialogue amusing, and the settings and scenarios relatable. Feedback regarding game controls, environment, dialogue, instructions, and level summaries was provided by students to improve the game design and content. This project provides an example of a thoughtful approach to game-based learning in pharmacy classrooms with the purpose of enhancing student pharmacists' knowledge about opioid safety education, communication, social collaboration, and critical-thinking. Future projects can further investigate student pharmacists' preferences of using game-based active learning. Additionally, retention rates of students from joint lectures and game-based learning activities can be analyzed.

Student and Faculty Perspectives on Student Evaluation of Teaching: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Community College


 
 
 How do we improve student retention and graduation rates in the face of ever- changing challenges across individual, institutional, and social levels? This is one of the most important questions that continues to haunt institutions of higher education. Furthermore, public colleges face a continued decrease in funding as a result of state budget cuts and seek new ways to cope with the financial stress. Current best practices make the use of technology the preferred option available for academic continuity and the only option on this campus.
 
 

Life Trajectories and Higher Education Access for Chilean Indigenous Students: Mapuche Students in STEM and STEM-related Fields as Participants in Academic and Indigenous Cultures

ABSTRACT Various studies have sought to understand factors affecting low university retention rates of indigenous students. However, little is known about students who successfully complete undergraduate programs in STEM fields. This investigation, utilizing the life history approach, analyzed academic trajectories of 11 Mapuche graduates or near-graduates from such programs in south-central Chile. The analysis showed that students who were successful in obtaining degrees had experienced early participation in communities that encouraged an academic culture. These were constituted by their families, teachers, and friends, and participation occurred throughout their lives as they successfully negotiated their identities as indigenous and academically talented students.