Academic Counseling as a Pro-Active Retention Initiative at Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Latifah Abdol Latif, (2006) Academic Counseling as a Pro-Active Retention Initiative at Open University Malaysia (OUM). In: 6th SEAAIR Annual Conference, 5-7 Sept 2006, Langkawi, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

A major challenge of open and distance learning (ODL) institutions, such as Open University Malaysia (OUM), is the high learner attrition rate. In this regard, OUM had initiated a number of interventions in trying to minimize this rate. One such intervention is academic counseling where Tutor Counselors, conduct face-to-face counseling sessions for “at risk” learners. This paper reports on the success of academic counseling conducted for “at risk” learners in two successive semesters at OUM. In terms of academic performance, a higher percentage of learners in the treatment group experienced an improvement in their CGPAs (54.0%) as compared to those of the control group (27.7%). In addition, 15.6% of learners in the treatment group achieved a CGPA>2.0, compared to only 6.7% of those in the control group. In terms of learner persistence, 71.5% of learners in the treatment group of September 2005 semester reregistered in January 2006 semester as compared to 42.2% of those in the control group. The study found that the reasons that influence learners’ academic performance are time management, work demands, lack of study skills, lack of proficiency in Mathematics and English, family and financial commitments. The study also indicated that “at risk” learners tend to exhibit an attitude of indifference towards their academic performance.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Retention initiatives ; attrition rate ; “at risk” learners
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
L Education > LG Individual institutions (Asia. Africa)
Depositing User: Shahril Effendi Ibrahim
Date Deposited: 25 Apr 2009 05:47
Last Modified: 19 Dec 2014 10:28
URI: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/id/eprint/94

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