Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Third Level Students.

Louis J. Belton

Question:

27 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will commission consultants to undertake a detailed analysis of the reasons so many students leave college prior to completion of their courses, in light of the recent Higher Education Authority report on drop-out rates at third level. [6888/01]

Derek McDowell

Question:

52 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take in response to the recently published study of non-completion in undergraduate university courses; the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6966/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 52 together.

I welcome the publication last week of "A Study of Non-completion in Undergraduate University Courses" which was undertaken by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, at the request of the Higher Education Authority. Immediately after receiving the report, I requested the Higher Education Authority to convene a national seminar involving both the educational institutions and the social partners. This seminar will provide an opportunity to explore the complex causes of attrition and to explore solutions and preventive measures, including the further development of tracking mechanisms.

The report found an overall completion rate of 83% for all first-time entrants to university undergraduate courses in the academic year 1992-93. While the report recorded substantial variations in non-completion rates by institution and by field of study, an overall completion rate of 83% is high by international standards. The report recommends that a comprehensive research study be undertaken to examine a range of issues relating to completion in the universities. The aim of this study would be to identify factors which contribute to non-completion, the reasons for high drop-out rates in certain subject areas, issues facing students in their transition to third level education, and the individual student characteristics that can contribute to lack of success in a university. The Higher Education Authority has already indicated its intention to commission this qualitative research and is pursuing the matter.

The report also concludes that a tracking mechanism is required to monitor third level students progress from entry through their coursework and through transfer to other courses and institutions. It notes that such a mechanism should provide for the identification of students who depart from third-level education. The report concludes that, although some institutions already have good tracking systems in place, there is a need to develop an inter-institutional tracking system. Preliminary steps are already under way to establish tracking mechanisms. The Higher Education Authority is developing an oracle-based data system to store detailed student-related data. This will facilitate the identification of cases where students fail to progress to the next year of a course. The report also recommends that each university should develop explicit policies on retention and I have requested the Higher Education Authority to review these policies within 12 months.