An exploratory study of first-semester student attrition in a community college.

Abstract

Scott, Ophelia Turner 1953-, "An exploratory study of first-semester student attrition in a community college." (2010 The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if student background variables (age, gender, race, academic preparation); student status (part/full-time student), and student circumstances (commuting distance, independent!dependent financial student status) could predict fall-to-spring attrition (2006)(2007) in a sample of 542 first-time, first-semester students at a community college in Southern Indiana. This study also included the results from an exit survey administered in the spring semester by the college. The sample consisted of 403 students who persisted to the next semester, and 121 students who did not persist to the next semester. Demographic variables, COMP ASS math and reading scores, independent! dependent student status, fulltime/part-time student status, and driving distances were collected from the sample population. Descriptive statistics were used to identify differences between persisters and non-persisters. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to determine which study variables best predicted second semester student attrition. The exit survey analysis was used to provide anecdotal snapshots of student attrition. The students who persisted to the second semester were slightly older and had a higher percentage of males. The students v who did not persist to the second semester had higher percentages of females and higher percentages of minority students and students with entrance scores requiring remedial classes before taking program-specific classes. Results ofthe hierarchical logistic regression indicated the COMPASS reading score variable and the full-and part-time student status variable were statistically significant predictors of attrition.VI

The experiences of student nurses on placements with practice nurses: A pilot study

“…This study supported previous studies by Chambers (2007) who cited quality of placements as a major factor in student attrition, and studies by Scott (2005) who found that negative attitudes and behaviours of placement and poor mentorship impacted on student nurse attrition. Koh (2002) suggested that students who are not helped to link theory with practice through placement experiences often leave their nursing programmes.…”

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“…Some problem-focused coping strategies are examples of this type (see Lazarus, 1991, 1993). The type of coping strategies aimed at the internal environment are to enhance and protect the self or one’s cognitive models of the world (see Scott & Clark, 1999). One aspect of this is the regulation of positive and negative emotions, such as depression (Fitzsimmons & Martin, 1999).…”