Vol. 526 No. 3
139 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the studies the education research centre is at present conducting with regard to non-completion of third level courses; the research aims in each case; the anticipated date of completion; when they were established; and when it is due to report. [26529/00]
The Higher Education Authority commissioned the Educational Research Centre at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, to undertake a survey of completion rates in undergraduate degree courses in the seven universities. The survey commenced in March 2000 and the target group surveyed consisted of first-time entrants in the 1992-93 academic year. This year was selected on the basis that it was recent enough to be relevant to present rates of non-completion but yet allowed adequate time for students to complete even while repeating one or more years.
The main objectives of the study are to assess the percentage of students who complete university courses; whether there were differences in completion rates between fields of study; whether courses with high CAO entry requirements affect course completion; whether there are substantial differences between males and females; what happens to students who do not progress to second year; and what can be said about those who do leave the system.
I understand that the study is approaching completion and that the data are at present being verified by the universities. The universities have also been requested to provide information for inclusion in the final report as to what measures they are taking to address the position with regard to retention. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will be publicly available by the end of the year.
At the request of my Department, the council of directors of institutes of technology commissioned the Education Research Centre to undertake a comprehensive study of the issue of non-completion in the institutes. The study consists of two phases: a quantitative analysis to track a cohort of students over a four-year period; a qualitative study of students' attitudes.
The research aims of the study include: the collection and analysis of statistical data on enrolments, retention and output rates for institutes from 1995-96 to 1998-99 inclusive; appropriate qualitative studies; the establishment of the major factors influencing retention rates; an examination of relevant studies including international studies in this area and the presentation of a report to the national committee.
Preliminary work began by the ERC on the project in April 1998. The first phase of the study was presented at a special meeting of the council of directors at the end of August 2000. It is expected that the report on the first phase will be formally presented to my Department shortly. The second phase of the study commenced at the beginning of November 2000 and is expected to be completed in May 2001.
