Exploring the Relationship between Non-Cognitive and Affective (NCA) Factors and First-Year Retention of Undergraduates in Engineering

Matthew Scheidt, Justin Major, Julianna Ge, Allison Godwin, John Chen, Brian Self, Jim Widmann, Edward Berger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this work in progress research paper, we investigated whether non-cognitive and affective (NCA) factors that predict academic success through GPA may relate to other forms of success such as student retention in engineering programs. Studies show that most students leave engineering within the first two years, making national retention rates in engineering less than 50%. Furthermore, the students who leave engineering are often academically talented, indicating a need to examine other success measures beyond GPA such as non-cognitive and affective (NCA) factors. Using data from a single institution (n = 540), we explore the NCA differences between students who remained in engineering after their first year and those who are no longer enrolled in engineering, or even in college at all. Results show that only one demographic and five NCA measures are statistically significant predictors of continued enrollment. Overall, a better understanding of student success as measured by retention using NCA profiles might assist researchers and practitioners with developing interventions and supportive environments that promote students' academic success and thriving in engineering.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2019 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781728117461
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event49th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2019 - Covington, United States
Duration: Oct 16 2019Oct 19 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
Volume2019-October
ISSN (Print)1539-4565

Conference

Conference49th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCovington
Period10/16/1910/19/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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