scholarly journals Accountability in educational dialogue on attrition rates: Understanding external attrition factors and isolation in online law school

Author(s):  
Amanda-Jane George ◽  
Alexandra McEwan ◽  
Julie-Anne Tarr

Australian higher education institutions have focused on attrition rates with increased vigour in light of the introduction of a new student success metric tied to attrition rates. Online programs have been of particular concern given persistently high attrition rates, being roughly double that of programs delivered either face-to-face or in blended online/face-to-face mode. This study considers attrition theory as it has evolved for the online environment with particular reference to the role of external risk factors such as employment, and internal factors, such as social integration. The study presents data from a 2018 survey of students enrolled in a fully online law school program at an Australian university (n = 203). The data reveals a cohort with an array of external attrition risk factors, who are not only time poor but experience a strong sense of isolation. The study contributes to the attrition literature by providing insights into effective educational design and delivery aimed at student retention. Implications for practice or policy Online program convenors ought to consider the attrition risk factors at issue in their cohort before designing comprehensive retention initiatives and plans. Instructors ought to consider external attrition factors, such as family and employment demands, when selecting and designing student assessments. Instructors ought to realistically appraise retention initiatives, such as social media initiatives, to address internal risk factors of perceived isolation and institutional commitment.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wally Boston ◽  
Sebastián R. Díaz ◽  
Angela M. Gibson ◽  
Phil Ice ◽  
Jennifer Richardson ◽  
...  

As the growth of online programs continues to rapidly accelerate, concern over retention is increasing. Models for understanding student persistence in the face-to-face environment are well established, however, the many of the variables in these constructs are not present in the online environment or they manifest in significantly different ways. With attrition rates significantly higher than in face-to-face programs, the development of models to explain online retention is considered imperative. This study moves in that direction by exploring the relationship between indicators of the Community of Inquiry Framework and student persistence. Analysis of over 28,000 student records and survey data demonstrates a significant amount of variance in re-enrollment can be accounted for by indicators of Social Presence.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wally Boston ◽  
Phil Ice ◽  
Sebastián R. Díaz ◽  
Jennifer Richardson ◽  
Angela M. Gibson ◽  
...  

As the growth of online programs continues to rapidly accelerate, concern over retention is increasing. Models for understanding student persistence in the face-to-face environment are well established, however, the many of the variables in these constructs are not present in the online environment or they manifest in significantly different ways. With attrition rates significantly higher than in face-to-face programs, the development of models to explain online retention is considered imperative. This study moves in that direction by exploring the relationship between indicators of the Community of Inquiry Framework and student persistence. Analysis of over 28,000 student records and survey data demonstrates a significant amount of variance in re-enrollment can be accounted for by indicators of Social Presence.


Author(s):  
Hélène Rangé ◽  
Alice Pallier ◽  
Aminata Ali ◽  
Caroline Huas ◽  
Pierre Colon ◽  
...  

Behavioral, nutritional, and local risk factors for oral health are frequent in people with anorexia nervosa. However no self-report questionnaire is available for screening in clinical practice or for research purposes. The objective of this study was to design a questionnaire to identify risk factors and symptoms of oral diseases and to test its reliability as a self-report form among people with anorexia nervosa. A 26-item questionnaire was designed based on a sound literature review performed by a group of dentists, psychiatrists, and epidemiologists specialized in the field of eating disorders. Sixty-nine anorexia nervosa inpatients (mean age 18.72 ± 5.1) were included from four specialized units. The questionnaire was first self-reported by the patients, then the same questionnaire was administrated by a dentist during a structured face-to-face interview as the gold standard. The concordance between the two forms was evaluated globally and item per item using Cohen’s kappa statistical tests. The overall concordance between the self-report questionnaire and the face-to-face structured interview was 55%. Of the 26 items, 19 showed significant concordance. Items relating to water intake, extracted teeth, gingival status, and oral hygiene had the best concordance (all kappa coefficients > 0.4). A questionnaire that identifies risk factors and symptoms of oral diseases in anorexia nervosa was developed and tested. The 26-item form of the questionnaire (long version) is moderately reliable as a self-reported form. A short version of the questionnaire, including the 10 most reliable items, is recommended for oral risk assessment in patients with anorexia nervosa. The clinical value of the self-administered questionnaire remains to be evaluated.


Author(s):  
Nadia Liber Salloum ◽  
Phillip Correia Copley ◽  
Marco Mancuso-Marcello ◽  
John Emelifeonwu ◽  
Chandrasekaran Kaliaperumal

Abstract Introduction Burnout is becoming an increasingly recognised phenomenon within the medical profession. This study aims to investigate the presence of burnout amongst neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland as well as investigating potential exacerbating and protective factors. Method An online survey was sent to all neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland via the British Neurosurgical Trainees’ Association (BNTA) mailing list. Responding participants anonymously completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and answered questions about known risk factors for burnout including workplace environment, workplace bullying, time spent on leisure activities and sleep and reported likelihood of leaving neurosurgery. We also collated data on responders’ demographics. We compared CBI scores for participants with and without risk factors to determine correlation with CBI. Results There were 75 respondents (response rate 42%) from a range of ages and all training grades, 72% of whom were male. The median CBI score was 38.85 (IQR 17.76). Participants showed a higher degree of personal and workplace burnout (median CBIs of 47.02, IQR 25.00; and 49.14, IQR 19.64, respectively) compared with patient-related burnout (median CBI 18.67, IQR 25.00). Participants with the following self-reported risk factors were significantly more likely to have higher CBIs: workplace bullying (p = 0.01), getting on less well with colleagues (p < 0.05), working longer hours (p < 0.05) and insufficient sleep, exercise and leisure time (all p < 0.01). Those with higher CBI scores were more likely to consider leaving neurosurgical training (p = 0.01). Conclusion We identified a high burnout incidence in a cohort representative of UK neurosurgical trainees, although our results may have been skewed somewhat by selection bias. We determined potential risk factors for burnout related to specific workplace stressors and time for non-work activities. In the future, changes to training curricula should address these issues, aiming to improve training, enhance patient care and reduce attrition rates.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe R. Putulowski ◽  
Robert G. Crosby

Social isolation among online college students may be a key contributor to the higher attrition rates reported by online universities relative to traditional institutions. This experiment investigated the effects of instructor–student communication on online students’ self-reported social integration with faculty, institutional commitment, and perceived course quality. Participants were 242 students (26% men, 74% women) age 18 to 60 years ( M = 30.00, SD = 9.26) attending a midsized private Christian university in Southern California. Participants received varying frequencies (never, once, and weekly) and types (none, e-mail, and text) of personalized instructor–student messages. Students who received weekly messages rated their courses more highly after 4 weeks, but this effect later disappeared. There was no effect on social integration with faculty or institutional commitment. Results provide some support for consistent instructor–student communication but discourage a formulaic approach to combating student isolation and attrition.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
Zhaorui Liu ◽  
Guohua Li ◽  
Yueqin Huang ◽  
Yanxiang Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study aimed to describe the prevalence and lifetime criteria profiles of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the transitions from alcohol use to disorder in Chifeng, China. Methods Face-to-face interviews were conducted using Composite International Diagnostic Interview-3.0 (CIDI-3.0) among 4528 respondents in Chifeng. Results The weighted lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-5 AUD were 3.03 and 1.05%, respectively. Mild lifetime AUD was the most prevalent severity level (69.53%). The two most common criteria were “failure to quit/cutdown” and “drinking more or for longer than intended.” Lifetime prevalence was 65.59% for alcohol use, and 22.97% for regular drinking. Male and domestic violence were risk factors for the transition from alcohol use to regular drinking or AUD and from regular drinking to AUD. Younger age was risk factor for the transition to AUD from alcohol use or regular drinking. Poverty (OR = 2.49) was risk factor for the transition from alcohol use to regular drinking. The earlier drinkers were more likely to develop to regular drinking (OR = 2.11). Conclusion AUD prevalence in Chifeng was not as high as that in Western countries. The study revealed that multiple risk factors might contribute to the transition across different stages of alcohol use. Further research should explore the underlying mechanisms.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 813-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Malliou ◽  
Stella Rokka ◽  
Georgios Tsiganos ◽  
Savvas Mavromoustakos ◽  
Georgios Godolias
Keyword(s):  

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
S S Chowdhury ◽  
T Mehdi ◽  
F Alam ◽  
R Ishrat ◽  
S Parveen ◽  
...  

Stroke is Me third common cause of death in developed countries. Ischaernic stroke accounts for about 83 percent of all cases. For ischaemic stroke, besides modifiable and nononodifiable risk factors. there are some potential nosy risk factors which include mieroalbuminuria. Site objective of this study was to observe the association of microalbuminuria with isehaemic stroke and as well as consequent neurological deficits. This cross sectional study was done among 100 diagnosed patients of ischaeoric stroke of both sexes. A structured questionnaire and checklist was used to collect data through face to face interview. Urinary microalbuminuria was mesured in all study subjects and assessment of necrological defects was done by modified Ranakin scale. The study revealed that the frequency of presence of microallmminteria was significantly high in ischaernic stroke. Higher the level of mieroalburninuria higher was the necrological deficit. So, microalbunrinuria may be a marker for the process to develop the ischamnic stroke.


Author(s):  
Kate Reed ◽  
Nathan Wise ◽  
Belinda Tynan ◽  
Carina Bossu

Distance education (learning and teaching by distance modes of information exchange) is often characterised by having higher attrition rates (often labelled as “drop-out” or “withdrawal”) compared to traditional face-to-face (or “on-campus”) education. It has been claimed that no area of research in distance education has received more attention; such is the concern surrounding attrition. This chapter suggests that a holistic understanding of the numerous, complex, and interlinked factors that may contribute to a learner choosing to discontinue their studies continues to elude researchers. Furthermore, attrition may not always be a negative outcome; for example, a learner may have achieved the desired skill set from their studies. In the current higher education climate it is imperative for universities to maintain student enrolments. Attrition directly impacts upon wasted expenditure and loss of revenue for an institution. Additionally, withdrawing from tertiary studies can have consequences for the distance learner. This chapter explores underlying concerns and identify key questions and gaps regarding attrition in distance education for the digital age.


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