ERIC Number: ED023389
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1968
Pages: 15
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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A Comparison of Junior College Withdrawees.
Aiken, James
This report investigated whether withdrawees and continuers differed significantly (1) in occupational and educational status of parents, stated goals, and over-all GPA, or (2) on the basis of personal college experiences. A 2-part questionnaire, sent to 150 randomly selected entering freshmen, produced a return of 60%: 46 dropouts and 44 continuers. In the first part, they listed age, present occupation, parents' occupation, job goals, future plans, and marital status. (GPA's were obtained from the registrar.) In section two, on a 5-point scale, they rated 40 items related to college experiences. No significant demographic differences were noted that would help to predict withdrawal. Other findings included: (1) dropouts tended to be older, more were married, and more planned to continue working, while the continuers wanted only to complete their education; (2) there was a significant difference in the GPA's of the two groups, even though the literature reports that they have the same academic ability; (3) the groups were alike in vocational goals and in parents' education and work status; (4) about the same number were undecided on their future; (5) both groups held generally favorable feelings about teachers and counselors; and (6) the usual reasons for attrition (illness, financial need, marriage, lack of interest, etc.) did not emerge in this report. The author hopes that future studies will help the college to differentiate between those who merely need time off from college and those whose needs are not being met. (HH)
Descriptors: Dropouts, Persistence, Student Characteristics, Two Year Colleges, Withdrawal (Education)
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Identifiers - Location: Missouri
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