Determinants of Distance Education Dropout: Evidence for Open University of Brazil/Federal University of Santa Maria Courses

Abstract

This work seeks to understand the determinants of student dropout in the courses offered by Open University of Brazil system at the Federal University of Santa Maria. To achieve this objective was used: survival function, factorial analysis and logistic function. The mean dropout rates at the UAB/UFSM were close to 47%, and for undergraduate courses this rate was 50.5%, higher than that of postgraduate, from 43.4%. The probability of a student dropping out of a course is 58.85%, and is higher among male students, with higher income, who resides at a greater distance and who need to move more frequently to perform activities in the classroom. Also, it was found that the perception of the academic aspects as adequate and the greater time of dedication reduce the probability of dropout.