Distance Learners' Dropout Behaviors - The Case of Anadolu University Open Education Faculty

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Aran

Study examines dropout status of learners enrolled in Anadolu University Open Education Faculty during 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years. A descriptive research approach captures current conditions and analyzes variables including enrollment type, program type, education period when learners withdrew, gender, and affiliated exam centers. Findings show higher dropout among learners entering via higher education institutions exam, and dropout is concentrated in business programs. Dropout peaks in spring semester and males exhibit more dropout behavior than females; suggestions for reducing dropout rates are provided.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

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Introduction

Literature Review

Distance Learners' Dropout Behaviors: The Case of Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Hakan Kılınç, Muhammet Recep Okur Abstract: Within the scope of this study, it is aimed to examine the dropout status of learners enrolled in Anadolu University Open Education Faculty during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years. For this purpose, a descriptive research method was used to describe the current situation. The findings obtained within the scope of this studywere examined; It provides information about variables such as enrollment type, program type, education period in which they dropped out their education, gender, and the exam centers they are affiliated with. According to this, the dropout behavior of the learners who enrolled in the open education faculty with the higher education institutions exam is higher than the others. Another result is that the dropout learners are mostly enrolled in the business program. This situation is followed by the Political Science and Public Administration, Paralegal Studies, Theology, Social Services, International Relations, Sociology and Economics Programs . One of the striking results of the study is that the number of dropout learners is higher in the spring semester within all variables. In addition, males exhibited more dropout behaviors than females. Based on findings, suggestions for reducing dropout rates of education are listed. Keywords: open and distance learning, dropout, completion rate, course retention , Anadolu University Highlights What is already known about this topic: • It is accepted that the rate of dropout is an important indicator of educational status and is an important indicator to reveal the problems of the education system. • Dropout of education occurs at every step of education. However, it is more particularly at the higher education level. • Despite increasing attention by policymakers, dropout of education is still a global problem in education. What this paper contributes: • This study reveals the characteristics of learners who dropout at Anadolu University Open Education Faculty. • This study offers suggestions for institutions to reduce the dropout rate. Implications for theory, practice , and/or policy: • An institutional support system can be established to identify these learners who tend to dropout and provide the necessary support for learners . • Learners may be allowed to transition between departments within certain limits. Introduction Different research methods have revealed the reasons for the dropout of education in open and distance learning. However, on the other hand, it is very important for institutions that carry out open and distance learning activities to know the reasons for learners to dropout of education and take necessary measures ( Bozkurt & Akbulut, 2019; Lee & Choi, 2011; Schmitt et al. 2020) . In this context, knowing the characteristics of the learners who dropout of education is seen as another important point to carry out the necessary studies to reduce the dropout rate (Lee & Choi, 2011) . In this way, the characteristics of learners who dropout of education can be determined, and different strategies can be implemented for learners with these characteristics. Thus, it may be possible for institutions to develop methods to reduce the number of learners who dropout of education. From this point of view, this study aims to examine the characteristics of learners who dropped out of education in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic terms within Anadolu University Open Education Faculty in terms of various variables. The research questions determined for this purpose are as follows: Learners who dropped out of education at Anadolu University Open Education Faculty in the fall and spring semesters of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years; • registration method, • type of program, • education period in which they dropout of education, • gender and, • the exam centers the

FAQs

Which variables does the study analyze regarding dropout at Anadolu University Open Education Faculty?

The study analyzes enrollment type, program type, education period when learners dropped out, gender, and the exam centers they are affiliated with.

What enrollment and program patterns are associated with higher dropout rates?

Learners who enrolled through the higher education institutions exam show higher dropout than others, and dropout learners are mostly enrolled in the business program.

When does dropout occur more frequently, and how does it differ by gender?

Across variables, the number of dropout learners is higher in the spring semester, and males exhibit more dropout behaviors than females.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Aran