Journal of Educational Sciences > Volume 24, No. 4, 2012

Factors Contributing to Students' Dropout from the Affiliation Program at The College of Arts for Girls in Dammam, from the Viewpoint of Faculty Members and Students / Maha Bakr Abdullah Bakr

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to the high percentage of student dropout reaching 96.4% among students enrolled in the Affiliation Program offered by The College of Arts for Girls in Dammam since 1423H. The researcher designed a questionnaire to collect the needed data after testing its validity and reliability. The study sample consisted of a representative group of faculty members , 133,  and students , 360, . The statistical analysis of the data indicated the factors affecting the dropout rate which were related to: student's personal and family issues, college administration, faculty members, academic advising services, and the academic curriculum. Faculty members have identified the following primary factors: the unavailability of modern specialization professions as required by the job market, the excessive number of students in classes, the imbalance between number of accepted students and college resources, and the lack of sincere efforts by students. In addition, students have identified the following factors: curriculum length, unavailability of modern specialization, and difficult evaluation methods. Also significant relationships and differences were noticed between some demographics variables and factors influencing dropouts. Accordingly, the study introduced several recommendations which were addressed to decision makers at the upper administration level, college and departmental level, and faculty members.