Persistence in distance learning has become problematic. This quantitative nonexperimental study examined whether perceived connectivity, perceived internal locus of control, and age predict persistence in online master's degree programs. Rotter's locus of control theory, Moore's transactional distance theory, and Rovai's composite persistence…

Learning a foreign language is a long-term process requiring persistence and a willingness to engage in activities that will help develop communicative competence. An important role on the way to achieving linguistic proficiency is played by L2 grit. However, foreign language learners differ in the intensity of this trait. We identify the most…

This dissertation is composed of three studies linking general education astronomy to student performance, course-taking, graduation, and identity. The first study examined demographic and academic predictors of astronomy performance among a cohort of N=1,909 community college students enrolled in astronomy courses in a large suburban community…

Not every student who enrolls in a teacher training program completes it and obtains a degree. Students dropping out of vocational teacher training is a particularly concerning trend in Germany, where there is a significant shortage of vocational education and training (VET) teachers. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to understand why students…

Teachers are leaving the field at high rates, and it is important to investigate factors that impact teacher attrition including stress and burnout. In a sample of 468 teachers, 78% of teachers had thoughts of leaving or were leaving the field. Teachers were asked about their stress, coping, burnout, and efficacy with classroom management.…

Background: Engineering requires new solutions to improve undergraduate performance outcomes, including course grades and continued enrollment in engineering pathways. Belonging and engineering role identity have long been associated with successful outcomes in engineering, including academic success, retention, and well-being. Purpose: We measure…

This quantitative study focuses on Australian mid-career teachers' (MCTs) attrition and profiles those who stayed, left, or returned. The population included 6108 MCTs employed with the Department of Education Western Australia from 2004 to 2014. Findings showed more MCTs stayed, than left, or returned. MCTs who stayed were predominantly male,…

The purpose of this study sought to examine how midterm math performance can impact a student's final math performance, STEM performance, overall performance, as well as retention and graduation with a STEM major. The sample consisted of 283 first-time full-time undergraduate students who were admitted in Fall 2014 as STEM majors within a liberal…

Due to ongoing and severe teacher shortages, preparing and sustaining a skilled special education teacher (SET) workforce is a top policy priority. Understanding predictors of SETs' intent to leave is crucial for policy makers and school leaders alike, as they seek to develop interventions to support retention efforts. In this study, we examined…

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent of dropout students and identify the relationship between risk factors of dropout and the survival time of students. Design/methodology/approach: The Kaplan-Meier estimator (KM), also known as the product-limit technique, is a nonparametric model function that is commonly used in…

This quantitative study explores the impact of educational level, specific school culture behaviors, and job satisfaction on career retention among K-12 teachers in the South Texas Coastal Bend region. Teacher retention is a critical issue that affects educational continuity, student outcomes, and the financial stability of school districts. Using…

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether faculties' affective professional commitment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership behaviors of university management, perceived organizational support, and faculties' institutional citizenship behavior. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from a…

Turnover in the teacher workforce imposes significant costs to schools, both in terms of student achievement and the time and expense required to recruit and train new staff. This paper examines the potential for structured ratings of teacher applicants, solicited from their professional references, to inform hiring decisions through the selection…

Transfer students comprise half of all undergraduate students, yet their educational experiences may differ in meaningful ways from those of traditional students. Importantly, the transfer student population is diverse and not monolithic. Achievement emotions, which occur in an iterative pattern with past experiences informing current and future…

In this study, we examined demographic patterns of participation and persistence in high school elective music ensembles. We extend prior research that has only compared music and non-music students by explicitly modeling persistence across multiple years of ensemble enrollment. The research draws on data from the High School Longitudinal Study of…