Student retention in higher education: the role of creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a new retention model suitable for academic setting that is based on the interaction between creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses quantitative research methods, especially survey, to justify the hypotheses testing and the components of new retention model. Based on the proposed model, three hypotheses have developed and tested using Smart Partial Least Square (SPLS) method. This paper also uses the qualitative data including documents, archival records and website analysis.FindingsThe findings denote that creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy positively affect students' retention. The findings also indicate that there is a strong relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy. It assumes that the study indicators might lead to students' retention and that autonomous learners persevere toward academic goals.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper concludes with discussion of limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and how administrators of nontraditional programs can benefit from this study. This study has important implications for higher education decision makers and university leaders alike.Originality/valueThe proposed students' retention model symbolizes the interplay between the cognitive and affective domains of creativity and emotional intelligence, which can contribute to learner autonomy intentions, changes in persistence and formulation of new beliefs in higher education.

Factors Affecting the Use of Smart Mobile Examination Platforms by Universities’ Postgraduate Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study

“…While these platforms can be used for taking online exams, they also serve to enhance the innovative learning platforms through hosting brainstorming sessions and holding interactive lectures. A good example of that is mentioned by Akour et al [126] and Bacca-Acosta et al [127], which in turn helps in enhancing students' retention and satisfaction [128][129][130]. System quality and content quality are found to be prerequisite drivers that affect students' acceptance and adoption of mobile examination and learning applications, as declared by Liu et al [131].…”

Happiness and positivity in the higher education context: an empirical study

“…These research studies affirmed that a climate of happiness in schools is critical since it is a cure for the depression of a school's various stakeholders, a vehicle for increasing life satisfaction and a facilitator for learning and creative thinking (Seligman et al, 2009). This measurability makes satisfaction a more desirable pursuit for those who need to demonstrate impact-either to prospective students or to those funding their operation (Alsharari et al, 2020;Alsharari and Alshurideh, 2021). Dean and Gibbs (2015, p. 7) argue that the "idea of quality in higher education should extend beyond satisfaction and develop a notion of student happiness as one of the attributes by which educational provision should be judged, if not measured".…”

“…These research studies affirmed that a climate of happiness in schools is critical since it is a cure for the depression of a school's various stakeholders, a vehicle for increasing life satisfaction and a facilitator for learning and creative thinking (Seligman et al ., 2009). This measurability makes satisfaction a more desirable pursuit for those who need to demonstrate impact—either to prospective students or to those funding their operation (Alsharari et al ., 2020; Alsharari and Alshurideh, 2021).…”

Does social customer relationship management (SCRM) affect customers’ happiness and retention? A service perspective

“…Furthermore, it is very important for the companies to dig up the reasons behind this scene, and a more discussion of this issue particularly in the context of services in the developing industry would be helpful and provide a broad explanation for the concept of happiness (Barrow, 1980). The retention is conceptualized in the conceptual frameworks and seen as a subjective phenomenon which states objective factors influenced by customer happiness (Alshamsi et al, 2020;Alsharari & Alshurideh, 2020). Happiness on other hand, as given in the findings had a strong emotional and cognitive component so that it is based on the interactions between motivation as well as subjective explanation (Mahavidyalaya, 2013).…”