Dropouts or disappointed? Different reasons for dropping out of higher education.

Author: Wietse de Vries,Patricia León Arenas,José Francisco Romero Muñoz,Ignacio Hernández Saldaña
Abstract: Student dropout rates have been a constant concern, as half of all students never complete their studies. Research indicates a wide variety of possible causes, ranging from personal to institutional characteristics. However, these studies analyze student behavior, without interviewing student dropouts. In this study we asked student dropouts about their reasons for abandoning their studies. The variety of reasons turned out not to be as diverse as previously thought. We discuss several actions a university could undertake, and some that should be avoided, in addressing this problem.
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