Attrition and retention: the voice of missing students

This paper addresses the issue of attrition and retention of a minority group in a large multi-ethnic, urban polytechnic located in an area of low socio-economic status. One of the important findings in recent work on attrition and retention has been to note that while there are common factors with regard to cause and alleviation, there is also a significant element of local expression in the configuration of factors. The purpose of this research has been to gather data from Maori and Pacific Islands students in a Manukau (South Auckland) polytechnic who have left their courses without completing. The focus of the research has been the students' view of the causes of their not continuing and their suggestions of strategies for improvement in the institutional arrangements for participation and support of Maori and Pacific Islands students. A survey was conducted of Maori and Pacific Islands students who had left their courses after the first two weeks of study but before completion. While issues of contact and reply are endemic to this kind of study, the researcher achieved a return rate and depth of response which was both informative and supportive of the notion that local work can offer considerable insight when considered alongside internationally recognised models such as those of Vincent Tinto. The findings of this research configures the dual impacts of 'internal' institutional factors with regard to creating an engaging environment and the very real 'external' effects of social and economic disadvantage in this locality. The findings are presented in a manner that reflects on the applicability of global research in this area to the local situation with Maori and Pacific Islands students. In a tertiary environment that has signalled high priority for the development of strategies to increase participation and success of Maori and Pacific Islands students at the tertiary level, these findings are a valuable contribution.

Published abstract.

The collection of refereed papers is indexed at TD/TNC 78.501. Available refereed papers are indexed from TD/TNC 78.502 to TD/TNC 78.518. The collections of non-refereed papers are indexed at TD/TNC 78.519 and TD/TNC 78.520. Available non-refereed papers are indexed from TD/TNC 78.521 to TD/TNC 78.556. Show less