British research on adult student retention/noncompletion reached the following conclusions: clear, reliable data are lacking; funding models ignore nontraditional students; and reasons for withdrawal are complex and interrelated. Keys to better retention are good student-staff relations and personal and academic support for learners. (SK)

Describes the pattern of student demand, progress and withdrawal over the first four years of the Open University in Great Britain. Appendix contains the problems inherent in comparing the Open University with other institutions. (Editor/PG)

Results of a survey of British doctoral students not completing their graduate programs are reported. Students' reasons for dropping out include individual characteristics, personal problems and accidents, problems inherent in research projects, and poor supervision. Faculty attitudes and government policy are discussed. (MSE)

A study of a course for matriculating adult students looks at the course structure, student numbers and characteristics, withdrawals and dropouts, final degree results, and the problems encountered by adult students. (MSE)

This book combines findings of existing research with fresh evidence supplied from a sample of institutions regarding noncompletion rates of mature students in postcompulsory education. Chapter 1 considers the changes that have taken place in postcompulsory education and the implications of having an expanded and more diverse student population.…

A study of income flow patterns and individual decisions to undertake college-level study suggests that perceived income and other labor market prospects influence student decisions but vary with age and discipline. Although females perceive lower income, that lower income does not statistically affect the decision to attend college. (MSE)

In a yearlong project, Britain's Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) investigated why some students leave their educational programs before achieving their certificates or diplomas. The project drew information on completion rates from the BTEC database. Views of BTEC centers' staff were canvassed through a national survey covering…

This is Volume 1 of the Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1891-'92, containing Part I. This volume includes the Commissioner's Introduction and Part I, which contains the chapters: (1) General Classified Summary of Pupils of All Grades in Public and Private Schools and Institutions; (2) Statistics of State Common School Systems;…