Research Project: Causes of Student Drop-Out in UK Universities

This research project investigates the factors contributing to student drop-out rates in UK universities. The report begins with an introduction outlining the aims, objectives, and research questions, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue. A comprehensive literature review examines existing research on the impact of dropping out, the main reasons students leave universities (including financial status, indecisiveness, and academic unpreparedness), and strategies to reduce drop-out rates. The research methodology is outlined, followed by a discussion of the findings and recommendations for improving student retention. The study highlights the need for interventions at various levels, including financial support, academic advising, and the promotion of extracurricular activities to foster student engagement and a sense of belonging. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and suggesting areas for further research, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the problem and the need for a holistic approach to address it.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Aims and objectives...............................................................................................................1
Research questions.................................................................................................................2
Importance of the Research....................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Introduction............................................................................................................................2
Impact of dropping out on education level of students..........................................................4
Recommend the ways to reduce the dropping out among the students..................................5
RESEARCH PROJECT SPECIFICATION....................................................................................6
RESEARCH APPROACH AND RESEARCH PLAN...................................................................7
Questionnaire Design.............................................................................................................8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................9
RECOMMENDATIONS, LIMITATION AND AREAS OF FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS 12
Recommendations................................................................................................................12
Limitations............................................................................................................................12
Other Areas of Consideration...............................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
As per the selected research topic, it can be assessed from the statistic collected from
Department of Public Instruction (DPI), there has been a significant change in the drop out of
adolescent youth to adopt drop out process. However, it is essential for every child to receive
education and if not complied with the law then as per the sections parents are penalized as per
the provisions. There are varied causes analyzed for a student to drop out from university such as
poverty, race or ethnicity, parental education, limited proficiency in English and family
configuration etc. Thus, retaining students in colleges is essential because it helps them in their
overall educational level and involvement in extracurricular activities (Chung and Mason, 2012).
Drug and alcohol use among students is another major cause that involves a risk among
individual to drop out at a very early age. It is mainly found among the children of high income
families. Also, if the student does not involve or participate in the extracurricular activities at
universities are at a greater risk of dropping out. However, dropping out of university can be
viewed as a process rather than an event that occurs over a long time period therefore,
intervention and prevention strategies must be developed to address the problem on multiple
levels (Rivard, 2013).
In this particular study, it assesses that factors or causes that why do university students
drop out- a study of UK. Here, scholar is required to carry out in depth analysis regarding the
different reasons why students are dropping out in middle of their education (Yang and et. al.,
2013). Thus, universities of UK are facing real challenges in enhancing engagement of youth
within colleges and deliver then high experience in order to improve the standard of living in
future.
Aims and objectives
Main aim of study is to assess the factors or causes that why do the university students
drop out- a study of UK. However, on the bases of stated aim following are the objectives which
are depicted below-
 To identify the main reasons of why students drop out of universities.
 To determine the impact of dropping out on education level of students.
 To recommend the ways to reduce the dropping out among the students.
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Research questions
 What are the main reasons regarding students leaving the universities?
 What is the impact of dropping out on education level of students?
 What are the ways of minimizing the dropping out from college among the students?
Importance of the Research
Different factors that develop interest in researcher for research project selection are as
follows-
 Searching the industry- It states that here researcher is required to select that particular
students who are drop out from universities from different reasons. Thus, through
assessing such factors it involves varied issues that help in overcoming them and
achieving results (Cooper, Hedges and Valentine, 2009).
 Examining the scope of research- Furthermore, after identifying the reasons of
dropping out it helps scholar to determine the scope of the research. Thus, through
evaluating the causes it helps in identifying the ways of overcoming the reasons of drop
out of students from universities (Gast and Ledford, 2009).
 Analyze the accessibility of resources- Here, researcher needs to determine the
availability of resources in terms of literature, finance and time required for the present
research. However, through using particular resources it assists individual to determine
the reason of drop out (Gomm, 2008).
 End selection- At the end, researcher is required to undertake effectual research so that
varied factors can be assessed the issue regarding dropping out of universities (Ketchen
and Bergh, 2006).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
According to the Van Houtte and Demanet (2015), drop out can be determined as the
form through which a student does not wish to attend the school/college due to different reasons
such as poverty, drug addict etc. All these factors affect the individual mind and thus they drop
out from universities. However, it is essential for children to attain basic education for the
purpose of improving their social standard and achieve desired outcomes. Further, it can be
assumed that there are certain risk factors assessed in the current study that there can be possible
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risk for student to become a dropout. Thus, it is essential to identify the risk factors and try to
overcome them in regard to experience them and develop meaningful interventions for such
students who are found at risk.
Furthermore, the consequence for a student who drops out of university faces several
issues that affect social conditions of students. Also, the high schools drop out tends to work at
lower grades or pay i.e. $13000 every year or even remain job less. Moreover, involvement in
drugs and alcohol addiction is also a major cause for dropping out of students from universities
as per Lin (2015). However, systematic interventions minimize the drop out rate on a large scale
by enhancing the environmental factors in families, schools and communities that overcome the
problem.
To identify the main reasons of why students drop out of universities
According to Peffers and et.al., (2007), students drop out of college for many reasons.
The conclusion usually has a lot to do with money and time, when finances are often cited as the
best reason students don't attend college, a more permanent problem is college drop rates. Even
students who are able to take out loans eventually have to worry about paying them back.
Some main reasons that encourage students to drop out/leave the universities/colleges are
discussed below:
 Financial status – As per the Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault (2015), most common reason
students leave the college is a lack of money. The students are often forced to take out
loans or work part time to pay the fees of the institution. Although, they can avoid this
situation if they have the option for getting scholarship or grants from the campus. It goes
impossible for students to afford the cost of living while completing a college degree.
 Indecisiveness – One of the favorite reason of a college student gives while leaving the
college or the university. Many students face the problem of being unsure about the
subject to choose, and then feeling no sense of responsibility to change the subject after
selecting the wrong one. As per Van den Akker and et.al., (2006), this reason cause them
flounder and its impact leads to the option of dropping out rather than making changes in
order to succeed.
 Balancing the level of work and life – According to Whitten and et.al., (2007), many
students find it difficult to find time to study, work on group projects and research, as
they are busy in making money to spend on necessities, their personal needs and family
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needs. However, colleges usually require a minimum course load, still most of the
students are unable to arrange their work schedule to fit with their class schedule due to
which they are forced to choose work at the expense of their education. Academically unprepared – The high school pass out students while moving to the
college find themselves burning out quickly, they feel the inability in balancing their
classwork and their social lives. As per Yi and et.al., (2012), it generally happens due to
the poor preparedness skills learned in high school. However, they don't learn the
studying and life skills for college that will help them in being responsible for getting to
class and studying on their own, they only learn the technical knowledge needed for
college life cycle. Further this factor influences the mentality of the student and
encourages him to leave the studies.
Impact of dropping out on education level of students
As per the view of Miller (2006), it can be stated that dropping out is the main factors
that affects the individual education level. Because at a very primary stage they become addict to
drug or alcohol and due to that they drop out from universities. Further, another may be personal
reason such as illness, poverty or parental educational level influences students to drop out from
school/ college. However, it influences the individual earning as they are given low pay and
grade jobs. Therefore, if an individual is required to earn high standard of living it is essential for
them to attain education and do not undertake the risk of dropping out from university. For
instance, if such situation arises and individual drop out from university it impacts upon the
earning capacity of students and they are not able to maintain their standard of living. Also, they
are given least importance in society as it is essential for individual to gain proper education
level.
On the other hand, drop out mainly impacts upon employment opportunities and thus
such individual do not obtain effective job opportunities. Therefore, it affects the education level
of students and thus earns lower hour wages. Drop outs from universities also attain low status in
society and thus influence their standard of living. The main reason behind drop outs is crime
also as particularly young boys are more influenced towards criminal activities while they are in
college and thus it affects their education. As per Lockhart (2004), 75% of American's state
prisoners are high school drop outs. It can be assessed that there are certain brilliant minded
people who drop out of colleges in order to create something unique and thus develop history. It
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involves varied personalities such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg etc. Thus, all the
prominent personalities drop out from their college for a good reason.
Further, there are varied students who drop out from universities because of the reason of
health at the age of 18-64. As such drop outs influences their education level and ultimately
standard of living. Also, poverty in family also affects the individual and affect their education
level. Therefore, it is essential for parents to take good care of their children and involve in their
activities so that they can remain well mannered in order to become excellent person. Hence, it
can be assessed that dropping out from school/universities effect the education level of students
(Yuen and et. al., 2008).
Recommend the ways to reduce the dropping out among the students
According to the opinion of Yang and et. al., (2013), it is essential for students to engage
them in extra curricular activities so that they can be retained in the universities and avoid the
risk of dropping out. Teachers are required to develop a sense of belonging so that students does
not choose wrong path or disconnect from their peers. It is essential for family members to
timely view the activities of their children and thus make quick decision in order to overcome
dropping out effect. Different strategies can be adopted such as making learning relevant so that
boredom and disengagement of students can be overcome and help them to attend class. Further,
educational institutions are also required to pay proper attention to the level of academic bar
provided to the individual so that they can choose right path and develop their standard of living.
Also, developing learning environment helps students to build effectual plan in order to solve the
problems and deal effectively with the management to provide safe learning environment to
students. Moreover, providing workshop to students helps in managing them time so that they
can concentrate on the learning activities and thus maintain self discipline in the college to attain
high standard of living (Chung and Mason, 2012).
Moreover, universities are required to pay more attention to such people so that they can
be engaged in learning activities and thus provide scholarships so that best working opportunities
can be developed. For instance, it noticed that any individual is going on wrong track and using
drug and alcohol in university area then management should provide them proper counselling in
order to overcome or minimize their dropping out reasons as per Cornell and et. al., (2013).
Further, special focus as well as recognition is the best method that helps to overcome the
dropping out of students from universities and thus achieve results. Furthermore, there are
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different other suggestions that also helps researched to overcome the dropping out method so
that best results can be attained. Also, preparing schedule of time table as per the convenience of
such person helps them to give the examination and thus overcome their risk of dropping out
from college. For instance, if any individual does not have adequate finance and thus they are not
able to provide the fees to the college then it may be one of the reason of dropping out. Thus, in
such case, management of university is required to view the ability of candidate and thus provide
them required scholarships so that they can be motivated in order to attain desired outcomes
(Lin, 2015).
RESEARCH PROJECT SPECIFICATION
In the present study, it is essential for scholar to determine the factors that helps in
identifying the causes why students drop out from universities. Thus, it is essential for scholar to
identify different factors such as drug and alcohol addict, poverty, illness etc. are the major
factors that affect the individual to drop out from universities (Cornell and et. al., 2013). Hence,
in order to determine such concept in more specific way, descriptive research design will be
undertaken. With the help of such analysis, it identifies the reasons why university students drop
out. Also, they are not able to concentrate upon a particular thing as they belong to rich high
class people. Thus, carrying out analysis it helps in determining the issues and tries to overcome
the problems so that best results can be attained. Adopting different research approach assists the
business in analyzing the facts that students are required to determine the important of education
in order to attain effective well being (Kumar and Phrommathed, 2005). Following are the
different research methodology techniques which are as follows-
 Research design- It assesses the different factors that helps in overcoming the problems
of drop out risk and thus adopt descriptive research design. Further, with the help of such
method, the present topic under study can be assessed by the scholar effectively (Mackey
and Gass, 2015).
 Research formulation- Here, inductive research approach has been undertaken. Thus,
adopting the stated research approach assists university to develop an effectual
conclusion in regard to assess the problem and identify the facts so that results can be
attained (Marczyk, DeMatteo and Festinger, 2005).
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 Data collection- It involves both primary and secondary data collection method in order
to collect information. For collecting primary data questionnaire is the best method which
can be used. On the other hand, for collecting secondary data it undertakes online articles,
journals, books and government statistics etc. (Neuman, 2005).
 Sampling and sample method- In the recent study, examining different factors that help
university to enhance the factors so that risk of dropping out can be minimized. The
sample size undertaken is of 30 students from which the main reason has been identified
of dropping out from universities. Also, the respondents are selected on the basis of
random sampling technique (Odom and et.al., 2005).
RESEARCH APPROACH AND RESEARCH PLAN
Methodology can be stated as the crucial part of the research as it requires effectual
attention to be paid by the researcher in order to assess appropriate functions. Hence, it involves
different methods which helps scholar to adopt and make the research effective. Data collection
method involves two different types such as primary and secondary methods. In regard to collect
primary data, questionnaire is the best method that helps in determining the needs and
preferences of individual (Bayer and et. al., 2012). On the other hand, secondary sources involve
different journals, articles, online publication and government records etc. Hence, in order to
determine the results, thematic analysis has been done in order to assess best outcomes.
However, the above discussed both the data collection methods assists in collecting and
determining the data so that desired results can be achieved. Furthermore, questionnaire
developed by universities helps in analyzing the mindset of customers and thus overcome their
issues in order to achieve outcomes. Further, thematic analysis assists business in making themes
and discussing the different topic so that it can be analyzed that why student drop out from
universities (Brink, Van der Walt and Van Rensburg, 2006).
It can be stated that business is required to undertake effective research evaluation
techniques which helps universities to provide best methods such as scholarship, training and
motivation etc. so that drop out can be overcome. Scholar is required to undertake thematic
analysis so that different themes can be prepared in order to achieve results. Further, different
themes are developed so that universities' behavior can be analyzed in terms of drop out.
Overcoming the drop out causes helps in improving the education level of students. Further,
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business adopts inductive approach that is specific to general and thus it involves the researcher
to achieve desired results. It involves two different methods such as inductive and deductive and
thus within this research, it involves inductive approach that helps in providing specific and
general (Cooper, Hedges and Valentine, 2009).
Further, there are different methods undertaken by business in order to collect data such
as primary and secondary methods that helps in collecting the data in order to attain positive
outcomes. Here, questionnaire has been prepared by adopting primary data collection so that it
assesses the drop out behavior of students. After preparing the questionnaire it helps university
students to analyze the importance of education and thus involve their full efforts so that best
outcomes can be attained. Furthermore, secondary sources are also adopted such as articles,
books and journals etc. Moreover, scholar undertakes random sampling technique so that
students can be selected on a random basis in order to evaluate the dropping out behavior. In this,
30 respondents are selected and thus evaluate their responses which help to identify their
opinions regarding why students drop out from universities (Gast and Ledford, 2009).
Questionnaire Design
In order to execute the study, proper research has been carried out using effective primary
technique i.e. questionnaire. Also, the sample size collected is of 30 students from whom
responses are collected (Rivard, 2013). However, it helps in analyzing the results so that proper
data can be collected. Following is the questionnaire which has been prepared in order to
determine the causes of student drop out behavior-
Questionnaire
Name
Age
Gender
What do you think that the main reason behind student drop out behavior?
 Financial status
 Balancing the level of work and life
 Academically unprepared
 Drug and alcohol addict
Do you think that universities should adopt counseling strategy in order to overcome the risk of
drop out?
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 Yes
 No
Education is crucial for students to achieve high standard of living in society?
 Yes
 No
Do you think that parents play a crucial role in the overall development of children?
 Yes
 No
What type of support should be provided by universities in minimizing the risk of drop out?
 Scholarship
 Motivation
 Self-discipline classes
 Health awareness programs
Suggest certain ways through which student drop out behavior can be overcome by the
universities?
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Theme 1: What do you think that the main reason behind student drop out behavior?
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It can be assessed that now-a-days students are becoming more addict towards drug and alcohol
and thus it leads them to drop out from university. It states that around 12 out of 30 respondent
states that drug and alcohol addict is one of the major cause that affects the drop out behavior.
Further, 8 students assess that financial status is also a major cause of students drop out behavior
from universities.
Theme 2: Do you think that universities should adopt counseling strategy in order to
overcome the risk of drop out?
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Here, 16 out of 30 students assesses that it is essential for universities to undertake
counselling strategy so that they can overcome the risk of drop out. It helps them to motivate the
students and provide them right path to raise their education level and thus achieve desired
outcomes.
Theme 3: Do you think that parents play a crucial role in the overall development of children?
In this, 19 out of 30 students stated that parents play an influential role in overall
development of children. Therefore, it is essential for parents to pay proper attention towards
their children and helps them to overcome the drop out behavior.
Theme 4: What type of support should be provided by universities in minimizing the risk of
drop out?
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Further, in order to minimize the drop out behavior, universities are required to focus
upon providing scholarship method so that it helps in minimizing the drop out risk. Further, 8 out
of 30 students also states that it is essential for universities to provide better health awareness
programs for students so that it provides opportunities for students to attain desired targets.
RECOMMENDATIONS, LIMITATION AND AREAS OF FURTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
Recommendations
It can be evaluated that it is essential for students to undertake best methods such as
scholarship, health awareness programs etc. to minimize the risk of drop out behavior of
students. Further, it also helps universities to develop best students that help them to attain
desired targets in their lives. It is suggested that universities should provide proper monitoring
and mentoring to students so that they can opt for right path and thus do not become addict to
drug and alcohol as most of the adolescent person become. Therefore, it is essential for students
to develop their education level as it helps them to minimize the risk of drop out.
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Limitations
There are certain limitations associated to this particular research that might have affect
the research outcome. First of all, time was very confine and this affects the data collection and
analysis of the study. This affects the research outcome as researcher a pressure of completing
the research on specific time period. Additionally, researcher has only access to secondary data
that are available free over the internet. This is so because researcher needs to complete the
research in budget. Due to this, varied paid contents have not been accessed and this might have
left certain key research. Further, data has been obtained from students and might be possible
that exact information is not been shared by them due to any of the reasons. This acts as
limitation to present research.
Other Areas of Consideration
Based on this research, there are other aspects also that can be a reason for dropout. This
can include influence from public and private institution, personal issues, technological
influences, problem with lecturer, complex procedure of admission and numerous other. All
these can be focused in further research in order to develop clear picture of reasons leading to
drop out. Beside this, issue between lecturer and student can be potential area of research in
future as this can be a key reason for dropout. Further, admission procedure can be area of
concern for this research in order to conduct the research in future. From this, reasons will be
identified regarding lacking of colleges in this context and how it leads to a reason for drop out.
CONCLUSION
Based on present research, it has been articulated that addiction of drug and alcohol is
one of the major causes of drop out among students. Trend of party and drinking is prevailing
among students and craze for the same is also increasing which certainly leading to a situation of
dropout. However, to get rid from such thing, a small step of counselling can be taken by
colleges. This will help in reducing the number of dropout slowly and hence also support in
diminishing such trends. It is even concluded from this study that by running health awareness
program also, rate of drop out can be controlled. Such programs can be run in colleges on regular
basis in order to spread awareness with regards to impact of drug and alcohol on dropout.
However, scholarship can even aid in declining overall rate of dropout.
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