Students at Risk for Dropping out of School Essay Example

connection between teachers and students within tutorial settings also holds great importance. According to Meer (2009), students face challenges when instructors lack personal connections with them and have limited knowledge about group work dynamics. Many students reported receiving little guidance from coaches during group projects. Furthermore, while high school instructors typically knew them by name, this was not always the case in university tutorials. The relational aspect of tutorials had an impact on students' adaptation to the instructional environmentStudents generally appreciated tutorials where they were familiar with both their peers and instructors as it helped reduce attrition. Freshman students faced significant challenges related to financial and resource factors that contributed to attrition. Students who pay the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees at the beginning of their first year are more committed to staying in university. However, those depending on financial support from their families are more likely to persist. Conversely, students relying on government support or part-time employment are more prone to dropping out. Therefore, achieving adequate grades within a given timeframe is crucial for academic success; otherwise, students may choose to quit.

Having a sense of purpose is essential for student retention - those with clear goals and ambition at enrollment are more likely to continue studying while those who view university as simply marking time tend to drop out. A clear academic direction serves as intrinsic motivation for students to persevere and enhances learning due to increased enthusiasm for the subject matter. On the other hand, individuals without a strong desire for academic growth tend to drop out early in their first year.

Factors influencing academic performance and dropout rates

Unsatisfactory or low academic

performance, unrealistic expectations, and frustration with studies contribute to students considering dropping out.As students' grades decline, their confidence in meeting requirements diminishes, leading to reduced commitment. Difficulties adjusting to university life, struggling with class material, feeling overwhelmed, and discomfort in group settings can contribute to thoughts of dropping out. Skipping classes and being unprepared further increases the likelihood of considering dropout. Compared to peers who study consistently, students who study less than 11 hours per week are more likely to drop out. Additionally, student satisfaction plays a significant role in persistence. Personal satisfaction with the university experience, including overall satisfaction with courses and the institution as a whole, is important for continuing studies. Helpful advice during enrollment and course selection positively affects student satisfaction.

The text also discusses the significance of students' satisfaction and self-efficacy in relation to their subject choices (Bandura, 1997), as well as the motivation that peer connections provide for persevering in studies (Meer, 2009). Group work is mentioned as a means for students to interact outside of the classroom. The study primarily focuses on lectures, tutorials, and labs rather than group work. Ultimately, student success in the first year is viewed as a shared responsibility between the university and its students themselves.Duncan and Nelson (2008) conducted a study in which they identified 180 at-risk students due to absences or poor performance. In response, several student-supporting programs were implemented. The Student Success Project (SSP) aims to improve the experience and academic performance of incoming students through comprehensive oversight of engagement. The Contact Management System was created to identify and assist at-risk students. Student Success Advisors, who are second or third-year students, aim to

motivate at-risk students to continue their studies.

In conclusion, freshman attrition can be attributed to various factors related to both the school and the students themselves. To address this issue, it is important to proactively contact targeted students and provide them with personalized plans that encompass social, personal, and academic processes. Institutions should also create more opportunities for student interaction and learning from each other. Programs like Peer Assisted Study Sessions can aid students in their studies. Additionally, appropriate learning development programs should be established to address other student issues such as financial resources, sense of purpose in learning, academic achievement and self-regulation, satisfaction with coursework, and social connection with peers.
Universities must address extremist challenges that may arise, as some problems are within their control while others are not. The solution lies with the students themselves, even though certain issues may seem unsolvable. Universities can provide support and relevant stakeholders can also get involved. In addition, intervention from programs assisting other students will encourage them to persevere in their studies. As a result, students will develop a passion for pursuing their academic journey and view the world of academia as an amazing realm.