A Discriminant Analysis of Dropout Factors Undergraduate students in Burapha University

Abstract

         The purposes of this research were to 1) study the factors influencing the dropout, 2) create discriminant equation related to the dropout factors in order to classify the status of Burapha University students, and 3) propose solutions for the dropout. The samples were 258 undergraduate students in the first semester of academic year 2016, Burapha University, comprised of 151 probation students and 107 dropout students.  Sample size was defined by G*Power program and stratified random sampling technique. The tools used in the research were the questionnaire on the discriminant analysis of factors affecting the dropout, the interview on the guidelines for dropout solutions and the questionnaire on the feasibility of the solution. Statistics used for data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, discriminant analysis with Stepwise method, and cross-impact analysis.

The results found that:

1. 1. The most significant factor affecting the dropout was family background, followed by learning targeting, learning support, basic knowledge, the difficulty and complexity of the program and academic and social integration, respectively. The proposed solutions consisted of 1) setting appropriate student selection criteria, 2) providing foundation tutorials, 3) using mentoring system, 4) creating student inspiration, 5) arranging discussion among advisors, parents and students, 6) providing workshop for the advisors, 7) providing scholarships, 8) offering extra-job for more incomes, 9) surveying and monitoring the learning support system, and 10) preparing areas for activities;


2. 2. The discriminant analysis showed that the factor with the highest coefficient was family background, followed by academic and social integration. The discriminative equation could predict correctly at 10.63%. The equation of the standard score was:

            Z_Y = .645 Z_{family background} + .605 Z_{social and academic integration}

1. 3. The solution guideline, which affected other guidelines, for the dropout problems that should be implemented was the foundation tutorial which affected three approaches: 1) surveying and monitoring the learning support system, 2) preparing areas for group activities and 3) using mentoring system.