THEORETICAL MODELS OF STUDENT RETENTION: APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES

ABSTRACT

Different approaches and perspectives have been used in the theoretical models of student retention in the last eight decades focusing on high rates of student dropout in higher education. Many of these approaches and perspectives seem to be poorly understood by educators, administrators, and policy makers of educational institutions because of their complexities. Some researchers concerned with student withdrawal issues are moving from a one-on-one perspective to a more comprehensive and integrative approach, concerned with more constructive solutions. This study aims to identify and understand the perspectives of theoretical retention models and to provide educators, administrators and policymakers with a comprehensive view of the main theoretical models of student retention, considering approaches and perspectives to assist student evasion issues. The research resulted in twenty three theoretical retention models with their respective approaches and perspectives.

Keywords:
Retention; Dropout; Students; Approaches; Perspectives