Determination of Student Retention Factors at the Technological Corporation of Bogotá, 1998-2011

Abstract

This study is the result of an institutional self-evaluation process (1998-2011) developed at the Technological Corporation (Corporación Tecnológica) of Bogotá. It studies the factors responsible for student permanence using qualitative/quantitative methodology, focused principally on the students. Interviews were conducted to recover primary information and identify the causes for students’ dropping out or staying in the programs for Industrial Chemistry Technology and Chief Pharmacist Technology at the institution. These causes and impacts were argued and explained as support for the analysis of student permanence, facilitating the development of an improvement plan to strengthen the identified factors that affect student dropouts and ensure educational success (graduation). Factors that are favorable and unfavorable to student permanence were found. Academic graduation, the quality of teachers, economic facilities, the entrepreneurial spirit of students and their learning abilities appear as immediate motivations to finishing studies.