Research Article
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Drop-out among ODL learners: A case study at the Open University of Mauritius

Year 2023, , 665 - 682, 30.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1273563

Abstract

Dropout is a global and complex phenomenon affecting all universities. This study aimed at investigating the intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing dropout at the Open University of Mauritius (OU). Secondary data about 1885 learners were collected for five intakes and three levels of study - foundation, undergraduate and Master courses. The dropout rates were 46.08%, 39.14% and 17.31% respectively, showing that those with previous tertiary education were less likely to drop out of studies. Analysis of data from 96 completed questionnaires revealed that female learners were more persistent in their studies while mature students were less likely to drop out from university. Personal and career-related issues were the major causes leading to attrition at OU. Sub causes included wrong choice in programmes, inadequate tutorial support and lack of employer’s support. Corrective actions suggested include providing counselling sessions before registration and during studies, implementing strategies to help students develop time management skills, developing courses in line with industry requirements and improving tutor’s support. The low attrition rate at OU is probably because most of its learners are working adults who are able to shoulder learning with greater responsibility. This is also because OU has maximised on technology to reach out to learners, hence mitigating isolation.

References

  • Alias, N. A., & Jamaludin, H. (2005). The aches of online distance learning: A synthesis of three Malaysian studies. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 48-54.
  • Aljohani, O. (2016). A Comprehensive Review of the Major Studies and Theoretical Models of Student Retention in Higher Education. Higher education studies, 6(2), 1-18.
  • https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v6n2p1
  • Arhin, V., & Wang'eri, T. (2018). Orientation Programs and Student Retention in Distance Learning: The Case of University of Cape Coast. Journal of Educators Online, 15(1), 5-12.
  • https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo2018.15.1.6
  • Bağrıacık Yılmaz, A., & Karataş, S. (2022). Why do open and distance education students drop out? Views from various stakeholders. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00333-x
  • Berge, Z. L., & Huang, Y. P. (2004). A Model for Sustainable Student Retention: A Holistic Perspective on the Student Dropout Problem with Special Attention to e. Learning, Deosnews, 13(5), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.13016/m2eedf-fwrm
  • Boyles, L. W. (2000). Exploration of a retention model for community college students. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (UMI No. 304609763).
  • Casanova, J. R., Cervero Fernández-Castañón, A., Núñez Pérez, J. C., Almeida, L. S., & Bernardo Gutiérrez, A. B. (2018). Factors that determine the persistence and dropout of university students. Psicothema, 30(4), 408 – 414.
  • Delnoij, L. E., Dirkx, K. J., Janssen, J. P., & Martens, R. L. (2020). Predicting and resolving non-completion in higher (online) education – A literature review. Educational Research Review, 29, 100313.
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2020.100313
  • Fraser, J., Fahlman, D. W., Arscott, J., & Guillot, I. (2018). Pilot testing for feasibility in a study of student retention and attrition in online undergraduate programs. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(1), 261-266.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i1.3326
  • Fozdar, B. I., Kumar, L. S., & Kannan, S. (2006). A survey of a study on the reasons responsible for student dropout from the Bachelor of Science Programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 7(3), 1-15.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v7i3.291
  • Frydenberg, J. (2007). Persistence in university continuing education online classes. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 8(3), 1-15.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v8i3.375
  • Hassel, S., & Ridout, N. (2018). An investigation of first-year students' and lecturers' expectations of university education. Frontiers in psychology, 8(2218), 1-13.
  • http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02218
  • Heyman, E. (2010). Overcoming student retention issues in higher education online programs. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 13(4), 1-12.
  • Horstmanshof, L., & Zimitat, C. (2007). Future time orientation predicts academic engagement among first‐year university students. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(1), 703-705.
  • https://doi.org/10.1348/000709906x160778
  • Huggins, J. A. (2016). Exploring At-Risk Students' Barriers and Supports in Online Learning (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (10600007).
  • Ivankova, N. V., & Stick, S. L. (2007). Students' persistence in a distributed doctoral program in educational leadership in higher education: A mixed methods study. Research in Higher Education, 48(1), 93-135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-006-9025-4
  • Jordan, W. J., Lara, J., & McPartland, J. M. (1996). Exploring the causes of early dropout among race-ethnic and gender groups. Youth & Society, 28(1), 62-94.
  • https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118x96028001003
  • Jordan, W. J., Lara, J., & McPartland, J. M. (1994). Exploring the complexity of early dropout causal structures. Baltimore, MD: Center for Research on Effective Schooling for Disadvantaged Students, The John Hopkins University.
  • Kahu, E., Stephens, C., Leach, L., & Zepke, N,. (2013). The engagement of mature distance students. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(5), 791-804.
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2013.777036
  • Kemp, W. C. (2002). Persistence of adult learners in distance education. American Journal of Distance Education, 76(2), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15389286ajde1602_2
  • Levy, Y. (2007). Comparing dropouts and persistence in e-learning courses. Computers and Education, 48(2), 185-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2004.12.004
  • Liesbeth, P, Zhu, C, & DePryck, K, (2018). Drop-out, retention, satisfaction and attainment of online learners of Dutch in adult education. International Journal on E-Learning, 17(3), 303-323.
  • Maxwell, C., Barbra, M, Kudzai, C, & Shupikai, Z,. (2015). Challenges for Open and Distance learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18), 59-66.
  • Mishra, L. (2014). Academic counselling in distance education: IGNOU experience. Pedagogy of Learning, 2(1), 62-68.
  • Mishra, S. (2017). Open Universities in the Commonwealth: At a Glance. Retrieved on July 10, 2023 from: http://hdl.handle.net/11599/2786.
  • Moore, K., Bartkovich, J., Fetzner, M., & Ison, S. (2003). Success in cyberspace: Student retention in online courses. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College, 10(2), 107-118.
  • Morris, L. V., Finnegan, С., & Wu, S. (2005a). Tracking student behavior, persistence, and achievement in online courses. The Internet and Higher Education, 8(3), 221-231.
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2005.06.009
  • Muljana, P. S., & Luo, T. (2019). Factors contributing to student retention in online learning and recommended strategies for improvement: A systematic literature review. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 18, 19–57. https://doi.org/10.28945/4182
  • Nielsen, S. M. (2008). “Half bricks and half clicks”: Is blended onsite and online teaching and learning the best of both worlds? In M. S. Plakhotnik & S. M. Nielsen (Eds.), Proceedings of the Seventh Annual College of Education Research Conference: Urban and International Education Section (pp. 105-110). Miami: Florida International University.
  • Oliveira, P. R, Oesterreich, S.A & Almeida, V. L. (2018). School dropout in graduate distance education: evidence from a study in the interior of Brazil. Thematic Section: Higher Education, 44, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-4634201708165786
  • Patterson, B. & McFadden, C. (2009). Attrition in Online and Campus Degree Programs. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(2), 1-8.
  • Perry, В., Boman, J., Care, W. D., Edwards, M., & Park, C. (2008). Why do students withdraw from online graduate nursing and health studies education? Journal of Educators Online, 5(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2008.1.2
  • Pierrakeas, C., Xenos, M., Panagiotakopoulos, C., & Vergidis D. (2004). A Comparative Study of Dropout Rates and Causes for Two Different Distance Education Courses. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 5(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v5i2.183
  • Pigliapoco, E., & Bogliolo, A. (2008). The effects of psychological sense of community in online and face- to-face academic courses. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 3(4), 60-69. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v3i4.201
  • Radovan, M. (2019). Should I stay, or should I go? Revisiting student retention models in distance education. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20(3), 29-40.
  • https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.598211
  • Raghavan, S., Mohayidin, G., & Chun, L. S. (2015). Access to Higher Education via ODL: Addressing Attrition to Maximise University Sustainability. American Journal of Economics, 5(2), 208 -216. https://doi.org/10.5923/c.economics.201501.26
  • Simpson, O. (2013). Supporting Students for Success in Online and Distance Education. Routledge: New York. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203095737
  • Smith, B. (2010). E-learning technologies: A comparative study of adult learners enrolled on blended and online campuses engaging in a virtual classroom. [Doctoral dissertation]. Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (UMI No. 3413143).
  • Statistics Mauritius (2017). Education Statistics. Retrieved on February 15, 2019 from: https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Documents/Statistics/ESI/2017/EI1337/Edu_Yr17.pdf
  • Tan, M., & Shao, P. (2015). Prediction of Student Dropout in E-Learning Program Through the Use of Machine Learning Method. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 10(1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v10i1.4189
  • Tarimo, A. (2013). Factors Affecting Students’ Enrolment and Dropout at the Open University of Tanzania, Lindi Region. Huria. Journal of the Open University of Tanzania, 14(1), 111-133.
  • Tat-Sheung, A. O., Li. K. & Wong, T.M. (2018). Student persistence in open and distance learning: success factors and challenges. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 13(2), 191-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-12-2018-0030
  • The Guardian (March 2018). Worries grow about the survival of the Open University. Retrieved on September 13, 2019 from: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/mar/25/worries-grow-about-the-survival-of-the-open-university
  • Tinto, V. (1975). Dropouts from higher education: A theoretical synthesis of recent literature. A Review of Educational Research, 45(1), 89-125. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543045001089
  • Tladi, L.S. (2013). Factors affecting examination attrition: does academic support help? A survey of ACN203S (cost accounting and control) students at Unisa, Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 28(1), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2013.782812
  • Tung, L. C. (2012). Proactive Intervention Strategies for Improving Online Student Retention in a Malaysian Distance Education Institution. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 8(4), 312-323.
  • Watt, D., & Roessingh, H. (1994). Some you win, most you lose: Tracking ESL dropout in high school (1988-1993). English Quarterly, 26(3), 5-7.
  • Xavier, M., & Meneses, J. (2020). Dropout in online higher education: A scoping review from 2014 to 2018. Barcelona: eLearn Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 10.
  • Xenos, M., Pierrakeas, C., & Pintelas, P. (2002). A survey on student dropout rates and dropout causes concerning the students in the Course of Informatics of the Hellenic Open University. Computers and Education, 39(4), 361-377.https://doi.org/10.1016/s0360-1315(02)00072-6
Year 2023, , 665 - 682, 30.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1273563

Abstract

References

  • Alias, N. A., & Jamaludin, H. (2005). The aches of online distance learning: A synthesis of three Malaysian studies. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 48-54.
  • Aljohani, O. (2016). A Comprehensive Review of the Major Studies and Theoretical Models of Student Retention in Higher Education. Higher education studies, 6(2), 1-18.
  • https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v6n2p1
  • Arhin, V., & Wang'eri, T. (2018). Orientation Programs and Student Retention in Distance Learning: The Case of University of Cape Coast. Journal of Educators Online, 15(1), 5-12.
  • https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo2018.15.1.6
  • Bağrıacık Yılmaz, A., & Karataş, S. (2022). Why do open and distance education students drop out? Views from various stakeholders. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00333-x
  • Berge, Z. L., & Huang, Y. P. (2004). A Model for Sustainable Student Retention: A Holistic Perspective on the Student Dropout Problem with Special Attention to e. Learning, Deosnews, 13(5), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.13016/m2eedf-fwrm
  • Boyles, L. W. (2000). Exploration of a retention model for community college students. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (UMI No. 304609763).
  • Casanova, J. R., Cervero Fernández-Castañón, A., Núñez Pérez, J. C., Almeida, L. S., & Bernardo Gutiérrez, A. B. (2018). Factors that determine the persistence and dropout of university students. Psicothema, 30(4), 408 – 414.
  • Delnoij, L. E., Dirkx, K. J., Janssen, J. P., & Martens, R. L. (2020). Predicting and resolving non-completion in higher (online) education – A literature review. Educational Research Review, 29, 100313.
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2020.100313
  • Fraser, J., Fahlman, D. W., Arscott, J., & Guillot, I. (2018). Pilot testing for feasibility in a study of student retention and attrition in online undergraduate programs. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(1), 261-266.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i1.3326
  • Fozdar, B. I., Kumar, L. S., & Kannan, S. (2006). A survey of a study on the reasons responsible for student dropout from the Bachelor of Science Programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 7(3), 1-15.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v7i3.291
  • Frydenberg, J. (2007). Persistence in university continuing education online classes. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 8(3), 1-15.
  • https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v8i3.375
  • Hassel, S., & Ridout, N. (2018). An investigation of first-year students' and lecturers' expectations of university education. Frontiers in psychology, 8(2218), 1-13.
  • http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02218
  • Heyman, E. (2010). Overcoming student retention issues in higher education online programs. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 13(4), 1-12.
  • Horstmanshof, L., & Zimitat, C. (2007). Future time orientation predicts academic engagement among first‐year university students. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(1), 703-705.
  • https://doi.org/10.1348/000709906x160778
  • Huggins, J. A. (2016). Exploring At-Risk Students' Barriers and Supports in Online Learning (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (10600007).
  • Ivankova, N. V., & Stick, S. L. (2007). Students' persistence in a distributed doctoral program in educational leadership in higher education: A mixed methods study. Research in Higher Education, 48(1), 93-135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-006-9025-4
  • Jordan, W. J., Lara, J., & McPartland, J. M. (1996). Exploring the causes of early dropout among race-ethnic and gender groups. Youth & Society, 28(1), 62-94.
  • https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118x96028001003
  • Jordan, W. J., Lara, J., & McPartland, J. M. (1994). Exploring the complexity of early dropout causal structures. Baltimore, MD: Center for Research on Effective Schooling for Disadvantaged Students, The John Hopkins University.
  • Kahu, E., Stephens, C., Leach, L., & Zepke, N,. (2013). The engagement of mature distance students. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(5), 791-804.
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2013.777036
  • Kemp, W. C. (2002). Persistence of adult learners in distance education. American Journal of Distance Education, 76(2), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15389286ajde1602_2
  • Levy, Y. (2007). Comparing dropouts and persistence in e-learning courses. Computers and Education, 48(2), 185-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2004.12.004
  • Liesbeth, P, Zhu, C, & DePryck, K, (2018). Drop-out, retention, satisfaction and attainment of online learners of Dutch in adult education. International Journal on E-Learning, 17(3), 303-323.
  • Maxwell, C., Barbra, M, Kudzai, C, & Shupikai, Z,. (2015). Challenges for Open and Distance learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18), 59-66.
  • Mishra, L. (2014). Academic counselling in distance education: IGNOU experience. Pedagogy of Learning, 2(1), 62-68.
  • Mishra, S. (2017). Open Universities in the Commonwealth: At a Glance. Retrieved on July 10, 2023 from: http://hdl.handle.net/11599/2786.
  • Moore, K., Bartkovich, J., Fetzner, M., & Ison, S. (2003). Success in cyberspace: Student retention in online courses. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College, 10(2), 107-118.
  • Morris, L. V., Finnegan, С., & Wu, S. (2005a). Tracking student behavior, persistence, and achievement in online courses. The Internet and Higher Education, 8(3), 221-231.
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2005.06.009
  • Muljana, P. S., & Luo, T. (2019). Factors contributing to student retention in online learning and recommended strategies for improvement: A systematic literature review. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 18, 19–57. https://doi.org/10.28945/4182
  • Nielsen, S. M. (2008). “Half bricks and half clicks”: Is blended onsite and online teaching and learning the best of both worlds? In M. S. Plakhotnik & S. M. Nielsen (Eds.), Proceedings of the Seventh Annual College of Education Research Conference: Urban and International Education Section (pp. 105-110). Miami: Florida International University.
  • Oliveira, P. R, Oesterreich, S.A & Almeida, V. L. (2018). School dropout in graduate distance education: evidence from a study in the interior of Brazil. Thematic Section: Higher Education, 44, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-4634201708165786
  • Patterson, B. & McFadden, C. (2009). Attrition in Online and Campus Degree Programs. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(2), 1-8.
  • Perry, В., Boman, J., Care, W. D., Edwards, M., & Park, C. (2008). Why do students withdraw from online graduate nursing and health studies education? Journal of Educators Online, 5(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2008.1.2
  • Pierrakeas, C., Xenos, M., Panagiotakopoulos, C., & Vergidis D. (2004). A Comparative Study of Dropout Rates and Causes for Two Different Distance Education Courses. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 5(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v5i2.183
  • Pigliapoco, E., & Bogliolo, A. (2008). The effects of psychological sense of community in online and face- to-face academic courses. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 3(4), 60-69. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v3i4.201
  • Radovan, M. (2019). Should I stay, or should I go? Revisiting student retention models in distance education. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20(3), 29-40.
  • https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.598211
  • Raghavan, S., Mohayidin, G., & Chun, L. S. (2015). Access to Higher Education via ODL: Addressing Attrition to Maximise University Sustainability. American Journal of Economics, 5(2), 208 -216. https://doi.org/10.5923/c.economics.201501.26
  • Simpson, O. (2013). Supporting Students for Success in Online and Distance Education. Routledge: New York. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203095737
  • Smith, B. (2010). E-learning technologies: A comparative study of adult learners enrolled on blended and online campuses engaging in a virtual classroom. [Doctoral dissertation]. Available from ProQuest Dissertation and These databases. (UMI No. 3413143).
  • Statistics Mauritius (2017). Education Statistics. Retrieved on February 15, 2019 from: https://statsmauritius.govmu.org/Documents/Statistics/ESI/2017/EI1337/Edu_Yr17.pdf
  • Tan, M., & Shao, P. (2015). Prediction of Student Dropout in E-Learning Program Through the Use of Machine Learning Method. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 10(1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v10i1.4189
  • Tarimo, A. (2013). Factors Affecting Students’ Enrolment and Dropout at the Open University of Tanzania, Lindi Region. Huria. Journal of the Open University of Tanzania, 14(1), 111-133.
  • Tat-Sheung, A. O., Li. K. & Wong, T.M. (2018). Student persistence in open and distance learning: success factors and challenges. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 13(2), 191-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-12-2018-0030
  • The Guardian (March 2018). Worries grow about the survival of the Open University. Retrieved on September 13, 2019 from: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/mar/25/worries-grow-about-the-survival-of-the-open-university
  • Tinto, V. (1975). Dropouts from higher education: A theoretical synthesis of recent literature. A Review of Educational Research, 45(1), 89-125. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543045001089
  • Tladi, L.S. (2013). Factors affecting examination attrition: does academic support help? A survey of ACN203S (cost accounting and control) students at Unisa, Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 28(1), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2013.782812
  • Tung, L. C. (2012). Proactive Intervention Strategies for Improving Online Student Retention in a Malaysian Distance Education Institution. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 8(4), 312-323.
  • Watt, D., & Roessingh, H. (1994). Some you win, most you lose: Tracking ESL dropout in high school (1988-1993). English Quarterly, 26(3), 5-7.
  • Xavier, M., & Meneses, J. (2020). Dropout in online higher education: A scoping review from 2014 to 2018. Barcelona: eLearn Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 10.
  • Xenos, M., Pierrakeas, C., & Pintelas, P. (2002). A survey on student dropout rates and dropout causes concerning the students in the Course of Informatics of the Hellenic Open University. Computers and Education, 39(4), 361-377.https://doi.org/10.1016/s0360-1315(02)00072-6
There are 61 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Studies on Education
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Perienen Appavoo 0000-0002-4076-0739

Meera Gungea 0000-0002-0472-0262

Mrinal Sohoraye 0000-0003-2932-7421

Publication Date September 30, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023

Cite

APA Appavoo, P., Gungea, M., & Sohoraye, M. (2023). Drop-out among ODL learners: A case study at the Open University of Mauritius. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 6(3), 665-682. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1273563


22029

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