Why students consider terminating their studies and what convinces them to stay

Xuereb, Sharon (2014). Why students consider terminating their studies and what convinces them to stay. Active Learning in Higher Education, 15(2) pp. 145–156.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787414527395

Abstract

A substantial proportion of students doubt whether they should continue their studies, and are consequently more likely to withdraw. In the study described in this article, undergraduates who reported they doubted gave their reasons why they did, outlined support they received and stated why they ultimately decided to continue with their studies. A total of 176 psychology undergraduates answered open-ended questions in a questionnaire. Findings for traditional and non-traditional students were compared. The most common reasons for doubting were an academic workload perceived as too high and course-related problems. Friends and family were the most commonly cited sources of support. Students’ main reasons for continuing with their studies were to achieve their end goal and to finish what they had started. These findings are discussed in light of what universities can do to prevent and manage doubting.

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