Examination Repeats, Semester Deferments and Dropping Out as Contributors of Attrition Rates in Private Universities in Nairobi County Kenya.
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Date
2016
Authors
Njoroge, Mary Mukami
Wang’eri, Tabitha
Gichure, Christine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Contemporary Research Center
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate student attrition rates in private universities in Nairobi
County, Kenya. The study was based on the attribution theory of achievement, motivation, and
emotion by Weiner (1985). The study sample consisted of 387 current and 60 students who had
dropped out from 13 private universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Data was collected through a paper
based questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study established attrition levels of 37%. The
results also showed a negative significant relationship between student faculty interaction and
student attrition rate (p=.03). Based on the findings of the study and the conclusions made, the study
recommended improvements in learning environments in order to ease or eliminate student attrition.
The study recommends that university amenities such as lecture halls, libraries, hostels and dining
points adhere to ergonomics. In addition, mechanisms for early detection of attrition risk should be
put in place and supported by technology to ensure students pursue their studies to completion. A
further recommendation was that students should be encouraged to always take a proactive
approach to university life which would help them seek faculty and peer support and to use the
university environment in a manner that would benefit them thus reducing attrition.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Examination retakes, Attrition, Semester deferment, Drop-out rate