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Online Learning News and Research
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Sunday, April 06, 2003
Identifying Predictors of Academic Persistence in Distance Education - Angie Parker, USDLA
...With the growth of distance-education has come the problem of exceedingly high attrition rates. Carr and Ledwith (2000) found rates to exceed 40 percent in some institutions. In an attempt to identify causes for non-completion, numerous studies have centered on application of a variety of traditionally-based theoretical models to the distance education setting. Diaz (2002) used a test of learning styles to determine the correlation between students who scored as independent, self-directed individuals and completion of online instruction. Diaz reported a statistically significant correlation between self-motivated and academic persistence. There is a critical need for colleges to be able to predict with some accuracy the potential persistence of distance education students. With institutions of higher education generally receiving governmental support based on enrollment, the issue of attrition is particularly important. If rate of completion could be enhanced, through better placement and counseling of distance education students, subsequent fiscal budgets could become more predictable.
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