The author sums up the findings of research on the psychological effects of unemployment and of a variety of work experience schemes in which unemployed people participate. The article focuses on school leavers in Australia. (CT)

A questionnaire was completed by students withdrawing from the University of Alberta during the 1970-71 session. In addition to obtaining biographical information, reasons for withdrawal were grouped into six basic categories: financial, academic, personal, extracurricular, health, and living arrangements. These findings are discussed in relation…

To many students who are in the process of withdrawing, the exit interview is an important and helpful service. It may be the last chance to help or assist the student, and to help him perceive the university as being concerned about him as an individual. Most importantly, the exit interview opens the door for the student to return to college…

Provides insight into first-year undergraduate persistence by using behavioral measures--based on Alexander Astin's theory of involvement--to further understanding of Tinto's theory of student departure. Findings support the use of an integrated model in which student behaviors and perceptions interact to influence the development of academic and…

Surveyed students with a disability and a matched sample of students without a disability over a 3-year period at the University of Newcastle. Examined characteristics and academic outcomes of students with a disability because they are significantly underrepresented at Australian universities. Found significant differences between some personal…

Discusses how many Middle Eastern students, pressured by their parents and in the face of growing hostility on American campuses, are abandoning their studies to return to their home countries. (EV)

This study investigated the differences between demographic, enrollment, academic, and self-directed learning characteristics of completers and noncompleters in online courses at one community college. The study also obtained students' self-reported reasons for not completing their coursework. No significant differences were found in the…

This paper describes the three-year evolution of an online Economics I course, reports on student outcomes and evaluations, and discusses the lessons learned. Results show that, as the course evolved from an instructor-led to a student-centered learning pedagogical model, several indicators of completing students' learning and satisfaction with…

An overview of issues and problems in identifying and predicting dropouts is presented in this Digest. The topics discussed are as follows: factors associated with dropping out; defining and calculating dropouts; problems in prediction; the usefulness of current prediction models; and suggestions for improving prediction. The recommendation is…

This book presents suggestions for teenagers who are considering quitting schools. It argues that, for the most part, America's formal educational system hinders the acquisition of real-life learning and individual freedoms. Written specifically for adolescents, it offers guidelines for youth who decide to leave school and undertake home…

Findings from a study of administrators' perceptions of student dropout causes and possible interventions are presented in this paper. Current dropout literature was categorized into four sources of student withdrawal from school--schools, parents, peers, and students. A national survey of 650 secondary principals and 650 superintendents produced…

This position paper was written to answer a series of basic questions frequently asked about attrition and retention at Empire State College (ESC), New York. The questions addressed in the report are: (1) What is the attrition rate at ESC? (2) How does ESC's attrition rate compare to other colleges? (3) Who are the leavers? (4) When does attrition…

Reasons why students studying business administration withdrew from Fayetteville Technical Institute (North Carolina) were examined. Questionnaires mailed to a random sample of 30 former students were completed by 26 dropouts who had been enrolled at the institute during 1981-1982. Responses from 26 students were classified as nonsocietal or…

As one report in a comprehensive study of Illinois state mandates for elementary and secondary education, this study covers the three major areas in the Illinois compulsory attendance law: students' entrance age, their exit age, and the schools' obligation to enfore truancy regulations. After brief histories of compulsory attendance laws in the…

A total of 4,197 course withdrawal questionnaires completed during the normal course withdrawal process at ten Texas community colleges during fall 1976 provided the data for this study of reasons for course withdrawal. Total withdrawals comprehended in the study included 3,394 university transfer/academic courses (81%), 745 occupational/technical…