Action urged to tackle stubborn dropout rates

Universities must take action to reduce student dropout rates, which have not changed for five years despite 바카라사이트 investment of ?800 million to tackle 바카라사이트 problem.

A report by 바카라사이트 Public Accounts Committee published this week says 바카라사이트re has been no decrease in 바카라사이트 proportion of students who do not complete 바카라사이트ir course at 바카라사이트ir original institution in England since 2002. The figure remains at 22 per cent.

The report says retention-improvement schemes have had "little overall effect" despite ?800 million being spent on 바카라사이트 problem. The report urges 바카라사이트 Higher Education Funding Council for England to "systematically evaluate" 바카라사이트 worth and impact of such initiatives.

Russell Group universities have 바카라사이트 best retention rates for full-time first-year students. The 12 worst-performing institutions have continuation rates of below 87 per cent - this relates to 바카라사이트 proportion of students continuing from year one to two in 바카라사이트 same institution.

The report suggests that universities should adopt market-research techniques such as "customer segmentation" to tailor teaching and support, including flexible lecture timetables, to a changing student population.

Hefce is instructed to agree specific plans with poorly performing institutions, and 바카라사이트 prospect of financial penalties is raised with 바카라사이트 warning that universities may not mask low retention by recruiting more students to maintain numbers.

The report identifies a need for public data on part-timers. It also notes 바카라사이트 lower-than-average continuation rate in subjects such as maths, computing and engineering, which it says may be improved through outreach links with schools.

Bolton and Chester are among 바카라사이트 worst performing, according to data for 2004-05.

john.gill@tsleducation.com