A longitudinal study of student achievement and dropout in a distance learning English writing course

Rahmat, Budiman (2015) A longitudinal study of student achievement and dropout in a distance learning English writing course. Doctoral thesis, University of Dundee.

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Abstract

This study investigates the factors that affect student achievement in a distance learning English writing course in Indonesia and examines the reasons for dropping out of the course. The study focuses on a cohort of students who registered for writing courses in an open university in Indonesia. The study also sought information from lecturers and online tutors. A longitudinal research design employing mixed methods was used over four stages of data collection. The questionnaires consisted of closed and open-ended questions which were administered at each stage through postal services and online. The questionnaires were followed by semi-structured interviews. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis. NVivo version 10 was used to analyse the interview transcripts. The study suggests that family and employment responsibilities, absence of feedback from the online tutor, limited time to study, lack of writing practice, and a poor level of English skills at first enrolment were issues associated with underachievement. The major reasons that led the interviewed students to drop out were a lack of basic skills in English, unmet expectations, feelings of isolation, and the inability to balance work, family and study responsibilities. The study offers models of interaction, teaching and learning in distance language learning to improve student achievement and minimise the dropout rate. The study recommends that university leaders and policy-makers ensure the development and improvement of online tutorials, induction process, formative feedback provision and an understanding of blended learning practices in terms of adopting distance learning and face-to-face learning arrangements to support student learning.

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