Factors that Influence Student Attrition in Online Courses

Final Presentation: 
Audience Level: 
All
Session Time Slot(s): 
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Strands (Select 1 top-level strand. Then select as many tags within your strand as apply.): 
Abstract: 

This presentation will include the results of a research study conducted using results from the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator to track students in their degree programs. In addition, student outreach was conducted with an experimental group of at-risk students to determine if additional academic support promoted retention. An at-risk student profile will be shared.

Extended Abstract: 

Research was conducted to examine predictors for online higher education student attrition. This research was conducted using results from the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator to track students in their degree programs. In addition, student outreach was conducted with an experimental group of at-risk students to determine if additional academic support promoted retention.  Results demonstrated that verbal and physical learning styles and personal attributes such as procrastination, increase the likelihood for attrition, while clear reasons for pursuing a degree and typing skills decrease the likelihood for attrition.  Outreach to identified at-risk students did promote greater levels of student success and persistence.

Position: 
8
Conference Session: 
Concurrent Session 1
Session Type: 
Discovery Session