Persistence and Dropout in Distance Education: Examining Explanatory Factors

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to propose and test a theoretical model to investigate factors that influence students’ persistence and dropout in undergraduate distance courses. This is a quantitative study whose population is formed by students residing in any region of Brazil, who started a management distance course or even accountancy distance course. In order to measure the variables present in the model, we used scales identified in the literature and, through logistic regression, we investigate the student’s (persistent/dropout) situation. The results show that the model fits the data, which displays that the better evaluated the variables support learning, self-discipline and increase in income, the better is the increase in the students' chances of remaining in the course. On the other hand, it has been found that an increase in the number of children and in the type of course chosen facilitate dropout.