Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - Third Level Students.

Monica Barnes

Question:

65 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made in establishing a data base to track the level of drop-outs at Regional Technical College and university levels; and if he has a system in place to ensure that comprehensive annual data will be collected in this area. [25891/98]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

114 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to obtain accurate figures in relation to student drop-out levels at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25828/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 65 and 114 together.

In relation to the university sector, the Higher Education Authority carried out a study in 1994 which indicated a completion rate of 81 per cent, which is high by international standards, for those students entering in 1989-90. The Authority has commissioned the Educational Research Centre, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, to undertake a further detailed study in this area and a report should be available by the end of 1999.

In the technological sector, a number of initiatives have been taken to assist the compilation of a data base on attrition-drop-out rates and to develop appropriate strategies to address the issues.

The Council of Directors of the Institutes of Technology has established a National Committee on Retention which has set out a menu of initiatives for institutes of technology particularly in relation to actions targeted at first year entrants in 1998. Already a number of these actions have been implemented with a view to increasing retention levels in the institutes. The council of directors has commissioned the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra to undertake a comprehensive study on the issue of non-completion in the IT sector, which will consist of: a quantitative analysis to track a cohort of students over a four year period; and a qualitative study of students who leave without graduating.

A system has also been developed for a statistical monitoring of uncertified departures from certificate and diploma programmes and is being applied on a pilot basis in some institutes.

Three institutes — Carlow, Dundalk and Tralee — have undertaken a study on non-completion among first year students. The study consisted of a comparison of students who continue with those who do not in all courses. A report of this study is expected to be available shortly.

A computerised management information systems project is in progress as part of the ongoing work to establish modem financial and administrative systems for the institutes of technology. The project has the aim of supporting the efficient and effective administration of the institutions and providing both the institutions and my Department with timely and accurate management information for a variety of purposes. This new system will provide enhanced information on attrition and the results from the initiatives above will be fed into this project.

The reasons for drop-out are complex. There is no simple explanation. Factors such as motivation, capabilities and suitability are all involved. There must also be a balance between completion rates on programmes and maintaining the necessary, objective standards. The challenge of maximising completion rates, consistent with maintaining appropriate standards is a matter, in the first instance, for individual universities, institutes of technology and the National Council for Educational Awards.

It is also of note that in its Consultative Process — Background Document which was published in September 1998, the Commission on the Points System included the results of a sample study on the relationship between performance in the leaving certificate and performance in higher education. The outcome of the research indicated,inter alia, that non-completion of courses, either due to drop out or failure, is especially acute among those with lowest leaving certificate scores at entry. In particular 2 per cent of the sample failed final year, 3 per cent were still attending higher education, 7 per cent passed first year and withdrew, 7 per cent failed first year and withdrew and a further 7 per cent did not sit first year examinations. The research team engaged by the commission, is now undertaking a more detailed analysis of the sample of students and the commission aims to publish the outcome of this analysis early in 1999.