Decreasing Student Drop-Outs: Ensuring a Successful Transition to the University

In order to succeed at any university, particularly one with an intensive language program (ILP), students are equally reliant on cognitive and non-cognitive skills and social/emotional abilities; e.g. time-management... [ view full abstract ]

In order to succeed at any university, particularly one with an intensive language program (ILP), students are equally reliant on cognitive and non-cognitive skills and social/emotional abilities; e.g. time-management skills, self-directed learning, relationship skills. Deficiencies in these areas may negatively impact a student’s ability to focus on the challenging task before them: language learning. The outcomes of this situation range from delayed entry to a program of study to student attrition (i.e. dropping out).

Student attrition has typically been linked to the psychology of the individual and student departure was viewed as an issue of student motivation or dissatisfaction. There is increasing evidence indicating that the institution has an equal hand in student retention, and that it matters most during the critical first year of university (Tinto, 2006). It is at this time that students in ILPs are at high-risk of dropping out. As the ILP is where most attrition occurs it is critical for ILP administrators to establish systems to monitor and support the first year students in their programs. 

For this reason, a Data warehouse (DW), a First Year Experience (FYE) and an Early Alert System (EAS) are invaluable tools for ILP teachers and administrators. 

This session will provide details on these tools - their development, implementation, evaluation - in an ILP at a foundation (private) university in Istanbul, Turkey. Participants will learn about structuring such projects, from designing to piloting to scaling up.

Student departure from ILP programs has significant consequences for both the students and the institutions. Therefore, this critical issue should not be ignored. Participants in this session will discuss the design and the... [ view full abstract ]

Student departure from ILP programs has significant consequences for both the students and the institutions. Therefore, this critical issue should not be ignored. Participants in this session will discuss the design and the establishment of a Retention Monitoring System (RMS) within an ILP and EMI in Istanbul, Turkey.