New York College Learning Skills Association

RTDE Issue Contents

Research and Teaching
in Developmental Education

Volume 17, Issue 1, Fall 2000

Interviewing as an Assessment Tool to Examine Developmental Learners' Reasons for Leaving College
By Maryann Errico, Georgia Perimeter College, Maria Valeri-Gold, Georgia State University, Mary P. Deming, Georgia State University, Wendy Kearse, Georgia State University, and Carol Callahan, Floyd College

Abstract

One hundred twenty-five college developmental students participated in a retention study in the fall of 1995; seventy-nine students, or 63% of the sample, left the university. In this longitudinal study, the researchers used telephone interviews to assess college developmental students reasons for leaving college. Students responded to eight questions where they were asked to reflect on academic issues and career goals. Analysis of responses revealed that the majority of students left the institution because they encountered financial and academic problems. Further analysis indicated that the students felt satisfied with the university and would return, provided they had the financial resources. Based on the findings of this study, this article will provide implications for establishing retention programs and recommendations for further research.