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Understanding student retention in computer science education: The role of environment, gains, barriers and usefulness

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Abstract

Researchers have been working to understand the high dropout rates in computer science (CS) education. Despite the great demand for CS professionals, little is known about what influences individuals to complete their CS studies. We identify gains of studying CS, the (learning) environment, degree’s usefulness, and barriers as important predictors of students’ intention to complete their studies in CS (retention). The framework aims to identify reasons that may contribute to dropout, using responses from 344 CS students. The eight-predictor model accounts for 39 % of the explained variance in student retention. A high level for degree’s usefulness has a positive effect on retention. Further, cognitive gains and supportive environment positively impact degree’s usefulness, while non-cognitive gains hinder it. Lastly, negative feelings (personal values) are found to reduce student retention. The overall outcomes are expected to contribute to theoretical development, in order to allow educators and policy makers to take appropriate measures to enhance students’ experience in CS studies and increase retention.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the students at the Department of Computer and Information Science of NTNU that took part and responded in this study. This work was funded by the Norwegian Research Council under the projects FUTURE LEARNING (number: 255129/H20). This work was carried out during the tenure of an ERCIM “Alain Bensoussan” Fellowship Programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Sem Sælands vei 7-9, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Michail N. Giannakos, Ilias O. Pappas & Letizia Jaccheri

  2. School of Education, Curtin University, Bentley Campus, Building 501, Level 3, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia

    Demetrios G. Sampson

Authors
  1. Michail N. Giannakos
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  2. Ilias O. Pappas
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  3. Letizia Jaccheri
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  4. Demetrios G. Sampson
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Correspondence to Ilias O. Pappas.

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Table 4 Scale items with mean, standard deviation, and standardized loading
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Giannakos, M.N., Pappas, I.O., Jaccheri, L. et al. Understanding student retention in computer science education: The role of environment, gains, barriers and usefulness. Educ Inf Technol 22, 2365–2382 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9538-1

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