Managing retention in ODL institutions : a case study on Open University Malaysia and Sukotai Thammathirat Open University

Latifah Abdol Latif, and Sungsri, Sumalee and Ramli Bahroom, (2008) Managing retention in ODL institutions : a case study on Open University Malaysia and Sukotai Thammathirat Open University. In: The 22nd AAOU Annual Conference. “The New Development, New Trends and New Missions of Open and Distance Education in Asia and the World”., 14 - 16 October, 2008, Tianjin, China,.

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Abstract

Retaining learners has always been an ongoing challenge in an ODL institution worldwide. This is no exception to Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Sukothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). In both institutions it was found that the attrition rate is highest in the early part of their study, mainly in the first semester or year. The overall retention rate of OUM is between 65-70% while in STOU is between 50-60%. This represents a huge loss in revenue to the institutions concerned as well as a lost opportunity to learners in terms of upgrading their level of personal and career development and achievement. In response to this challenge, both OUM and STOU have undertaken various interventions to mitigate this early attrition problem. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the major retention inititives at both institutions with a view to learn from each other’s experience. The reasons for learner drop-outs in both institutions may be similar, however, the strategies and action plans formulated by each institution may differ. It would be interesting to determine the underlying rationale why such strategies were adopted. The outcome of this collaborative study will enable each institution to adapt and adopt best practices in managing retention. (Authors' abstract)

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