Page 13 - SESSION 2 (Graduation e-BOOK)(3 October 2023)

School of Education
FACULTY OF EDUCATION &
HUMAN SCIENCES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN
EDUCATION (CURRICULUM,
INSTRUCTION & ASSESSMENT STUDIES)
CANDIDATE: RICKERTS Basil A

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION
FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENT RETENTION AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA.
The doctoral study was conducted under
Prof. R Kavena Shalyefu (Main Supervisor) and Dr. Ngepathimo Kadhila
(Co-Supervisor).

Student retention is a significant challenge confronting universities
worldwide. This study aimed to identify factors influencing student
retention at the University of Namibia. The study revealed that the
most important factors influencing student dropout at the University of
Namibia are difficulty in obtaining assistance from staff and a negative
staff attitude, difficulty in selecting the desired major, difficulty in making
the transition from high school to university, students’ timetabling and
workload, lecturing style, and financial problems. Another influencing
issue which emerged during the time of this study was the outbreak
of COVID-19. Based on the findings, this study proposes a framework
to inform researchers undertaking future research to help improve
student retention rates and reduce dropout rates at Higher Education
Institutions.
Undertaking future research to help improve student retention rates
and reduce dropout rates at Higher Education Institutions.

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