Predicting the Retention of College Sophomores: The Importance of Satisfaction

Autor/in	Pullins, Tamera Lanae
Titel	Predicting the Retention of College Sophomores: The Importance of Satisfaction
Quelle	(2011), (173 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Ph.D. Dissertation, Azusa Pacific University
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	978-1-2670-3918-7
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Academic Persistence; Grade Point Average; Predictor Variables; Private Colleges; Institutional Characteristics; Public Colleges; College Students; Satisfaction; Student Attitudes; School Demography; Student Surveys; Higher Education; Educational Environment; Comparative Analysis; Student Empowerment; Commuting Students; On Campus Students; College Housing + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Prädiktor; Privathochschule; Collegestudent; Zufriedenheit; Schülerverhalten; Schulbesuchsrate; Schülerbefragung; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt; Studienberechtigung; Pendler; Studentenunterkunft
Abstract	Research is beginning to demonstrate that sophomores are unique in their academic and developmental needs, yet little is known about how college sophomores' satisfaction with their collegiate experience influences their persistence decisions. This study utilized logistic regression to predict college sophomores' persistence based on student demographics, institutional characteristics, and satisfaction predictor variables. The dependent variable was persistence to the junior year. The data for this study were collected from 9,078 college sophomores at 65 public and private 4-year institutions who completed the Student Satisfaction Inventory[C)] during 3 academic years. Of the students surveyed, 66% were female and 72% were Caucasian. Data were analyzed to determine the differences in persistence predictors between sophomores who attended public and private institutions. Further analysis was conducted with sophomores who lived on campus to determine if satisfaction with residential life was predictive of persistence. The results of the study indicated that both global and specific measures of satisfaction significantly predicted sophomores' retention after considering the contribution of student demographics and institutional features. Students who were satisfied with their institutions' campus climate were nearly 50% more likely to persist than their dissatisfied peers. Further, as sophomores' grade point average increased one point, their likelihood of persisting increased about 46%. Both campus climate and grade point average predicted persistence, regardless of the type of institution sophomores attended or whether they lived on campus or commuted. Key predictors of sophomore retention differed across public and private institutions; advising satisfaction was significantly predictive of retention in public institutions, while satisfaction with variety of courses and with student voice was significantly predictive of private college retention. Residential students' satisfaction with residence life issues did not predict persistence, however. As a result of the study findings, the author suggests that institutional leaders address issues of campus climate by attending to the campus' sense of community. Programs designed to address advising issues specific to sophomores were also recommended, as were suggestions for improving instructional effectiveness, a significant predictor among residential students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10