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Date of Award
2-2009
Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Document type
dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Program
Education; Educational Policy and Leadership
First Advisor
Joseph B. Berger
Second Advisor
John G. Stoffolano
Third Advisor
Elizabeth A. Williams
Subject Categories
Higher Education | Other Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the persistence of adult students in online undergraduate courses at the community college level. Quantitative analysis of survey results from 476 students enrolled in on-line courses at two community colleges indicate that desire to complete the degree, previous experience in on-line courses and assignment completion are the strongest predictors of course completion. The findings from this research also provide the basis for making recommendations for future research and improving policy and practice. Finally, the results of this study suggest the basis for developing new models for understanding persistence in on-line courses.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/5647045
Recommended Citation
McGivney, Raymond J, "Adult Student Persistence In Online Education: Developing A Model To Understand The Factors That Affect Adult Student Persistence In A Course" (2009). Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014. 54.
https://doi.org/10.7275/5647045
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1/54