JEFMS Journal

Google Scholar

Article Pdf

---

ABSTRACT:

This study systematically reviews strategies and factors that influence student retention in higher education within diverse educational contexts and demographics. Retention is an important factor not only in making institutions sustainable but also in contributing to national economic growth; however, it is under challenged by socioeconomic disparities, academic preparedness, mental health issues, and cultural differences. This review uses the PRISMA framework to guarantee methodological rigor in the synthesis of evidence from studies that employ purely quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Some of the key strategies identified include academic support programs, social integration initiatives, financial aid assistance, technological interventions, and adaptive institutional policies. It stresses tailored approaches while pointing out that demographic factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural background are profoundly influencing retention outcomes. The need for context-specific strategies has been highlighted by regional and institutional differences - mainly in resource-strained settings. Emerging technologies together with data-driven decision-making will continue to play an important role in improving retention. Findings here propose interdisciplinary collaborative solutions involving policy-makers, educators, and communities to develop equitable inclusive educational environments. While the study offers a broad view of comprehensive segments, it finds gaps longitudinally within research further exploring underrepresented demographics. The synthesis found herein illustrates necessary adjustments for retention strategies within changing educational societal landscapes toward better academic outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

Student Retention, Higher Education, Retention Strategies, Demographics, Educational Contexts

REFERENCES:

1) Ablina, J.D., Yabut, M.D., Tolentino, N.B., Seriel R.D., Sarmiento, E.K., Caras, K.P., Maniquiz, L.J.Y., Dragon, C.D. (2023). Free higher education retention policy of a local college in the philippines: insights of disqualified students. Journal of Research Policy & Practice of Teachers & Teacher Education, 13(1), 118-133. a. https://doi.org/10.37134/jrpptte.vol13.1.9.2023

2) Akeusola, B. (2023). Exploring smartphone use patterns and their associations with demographic characteristics, socio-psychological well-being, and socio-cultural factors among nigerian youth. International Journal of Humanities Technology and Civilization, 53-63. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijhtc.v8i2.9692

3) Almulla, M. (2020). The effectiveness of the project-based learning (pbl) approach as a way to engage students in learning. Sage Open, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702

4) Ara, R., Monisha, U., Nova, T., Chowdhury, S., Nabi, M., & Hawlader, M. (2022). Potential nonpharmacological interventions to prevent frailty among elderly in low- and middle-income countries. Medicine, 101(4), e28708. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000028708

5) Arifin, S., Setyosari, P., Sa’dijah, C., & Kuswandi, D. (2020). The effect of problem based learning by cognitive style on critical thinking skills and student retention. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 10(2), 271. a. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.790

6) Aslam, S. (2023). Challenges in implementing stem education: insights from novice stem teachers in developing countries. Sustainability, 15(19), 14455. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914455

7) Behr, A., Giese, M., Kamdjou, H., & Theune, K. (2020). Dropping out of university: a literature review. Review of Education, 8(2), 614-652. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3202

8) Brown, D., Soto, J., Anand, S., Weimer, N., & Black, V. (2021). Risk factors and effectiveness of implemented academic interventions on student retention at a hispanic-serving institution. Journal of College Student Retention Research Theory & Practice, 25(2), 398-419. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025120986978

9) Callaway, C. (2023). Leadership perspectives on diverse student needs at three urban community colleges in the south. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2023(204), 57-66. https://doi.org/10.1002/cc.20601

10) Castillo, I. (2023). When nursing education becomes political: norm‐critical perspectives in a campus‐based clinical learning environment. Nursing Inquiry, 31(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12597

11) Cheong, A., Singh, P., Saat, N., & Hoon, J. (2021). Retention amongst pre-university students at a foreign university branch campus in malaysia: an exploratory study. Journal of Education and Learning, 10(3), 39. a. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v10n3p39

12) Cronin, F., Clarke, N., Hendrick, L., Conroy, R., & Brugha, R. (2020). Factors influencing specialty choice and the effect of recall bias on findings from irish medical graduates: a cross-sectional, longitudinal study. BMC Medical Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02405-w

13) Eweida, R., Rashwan, Z., Desoky, G., & Khonji, L. (2020). Mental strain and changes in psychological health hub among intern-nursing students at pediatric and medical-surgical units amid ambience of covid-19 pandemic: a comprehensive survey. Nurse Education in Practice, 49, 102915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2020.102915

14) Feitosa, I. (2024). Obesity-related cancer and bariatric surgery: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Plos One, 19(7), e0306623. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306623

15) Gates, M., Gates, A., Guitard, S., Pollock, M., & Hartling, L. (2020). Guidance for overviews of reviews continues to accumulate, but important challenges remain: a scoping review. Systematic Reviews, 9(1). a. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01509-0

16) Grace-Odeleye, B. (2020). Integrated support strategies for promotion of students’ retention and achievement during first years of college. International Journal of Contemporary Education, 3(1), 9. a. https://doi.org/10.11114/ijce.v3i1.4725

17) Gülen, S., Dönmez, İ., & İdin, Ş. (2022). Stem education in metaverse environment: challenges and opportunities. Journal of Steam Education, 5(2), 100-103. https://doi.org/10.55290/steam.1139543

18) Haverila, M., Haverila, K., & McLaughlin, C. (2020). Variables affecting the retention intentions of students in higher education institutions. Journal of International Students, 10(2), 358-382. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v10i2.1849

19) Heo, H., Bonk, C., & Doo, M. (2021). Enhancing learning engagement during covid‐19 pandemic: self‐efficacy in time management, technology use, and online learning environments. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(6), 1640-1652. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12603

20) Jessee, M., Nielsen, A., Monagle, J., Gonzalez, L., Lasater, K., & Dickison, P. (2022). A national report on clinical judgment model use in prelicensure nursing curricula. Nursing Education Perspectives, 44(1), 4-10. a. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nep.0000000000001062

21) Joseph, A. (2024). Parenting amid shadows: exploring the child-rearing experiences of wives of individuals with alcohol use disorder. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.58105

22) Kwon, S., Won, J., Kryshtafovych, A., & Seok, C. (2021). Assessment of protein model structure accuracy estimation in casp14: old and new challenges. Proteins Structure Function and Bioinformatics, 89(12), 1940-1948. a. https://doi.org/10.1002/prot.26192

23) Le, L., Tran, T., & Tran, N. (2021). Challenges to stem education in vietnamese high school contexts. Heliyon, 7(12), a. e08649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08649

24) Leary, M., Morewood, A., & Bryner, R. (2020). A controlled intervention to improve freshman retention in a stem-based physiology major. Ajp Advances in Physiology Education, 44(3), 334-343. a. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00038.2020

25) Leary, M., Morewood, A., & Bryner, R. (2020). A controlled intervention to improve freshman retention in a stem-based physiology major. Ajp Advances in Physiology Education, 44(3), 334-343. a. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00038.2020

26) Leppla, L., Mielke, J., Mauthner, O., Teynor, A., Valenta, S., Vanhoof, J., … & team, S. (2020). Clinicians and patients perspectives on follow-up care and ehealth support after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a mixed-methods contextual analysis as part of the smile study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 45, 101723. a. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101723

27) Liu, X., Wang, T., Bressington, D., Easpaig, B., Wikander, L., & Tan, J. (2023). Factors influencing retention among regional, rural and remote undergraduate nursing students in australia: a systematic review of current research evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 3983. a. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053983

28) Long, H., French, D., & Brooks, J. (2020). Optimising the value of the critical appraisal skills programme (casp) tool for quality appraisal in qualitative evidence synthesis. Research Methods in Medicine & Health Sciences, 1(1), 31-42. a. https://doi.org/10.1177/2632084320947559

29) Lunny, C., Pieper, D., Thabet, P., & Kanji, S. (2021). Managing overlap of primary study results across systematic reviews: practical considerations for authors of overviews of reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 21(1). a. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-021-01269-y

30) Martins, J., Marques, A., Teixeira, P., Mota, J., Lopes, C., & Nicola, P. (2020). Socio‐demographic factors associated with physical activity and sitting time patterns in adults: an analysis based on the portuguese food, nutrition and physical activity survey. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(2), 250-260. a. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1736643

31) McCallen, L. and Johnson, H. (2020). The role of institutional agents in promoting higher education success among first-generation college students at a public urban university.. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 13(4), 320-332. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000143

32) Mishra, S. (2020). Social networks, social capital, social support and academic success in higher education: a systematic review with a special focus on ‘underrepresented’ students. Educational Research Review, 29, 100307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.100307

33) Mitrofanenko, T., Varga, A., & Zawiejska, J. (2020). Toward stronger integration of education for sustainable development into the carpathian convention activities: reflection on the process and outlook. Mountain Research and Development, 40(4). https://doi.org/10.1659/mrd-journal-d-20-00025.1

34) Nnatu, A. (2024). Building sustainable libraries by embracing diversity and inclusion in digital era. Infor. Syst. Smart. City, 4(1), 1414. https://doi.org/10.59400/issc.v4i1.1414

35) O'Neill, A., Baldwin, D., Cortese, S., & Sinclair, J. (2022). Impact of intrawork rest breaks on doctors’ performance and well-being: systematic review. BMJ Open, 12(12), e062469. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062469

36) Page, M., McKenzie, J., Bossuyt, P., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T., Mulrow, C., … & Moher, D. (2021). The prisma 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

37) Page, M., Moher, D., Bossuyt, P., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T., Mulrow, C., … & McKenzie, J. (2021). Prisma 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, n160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160

38) Paniw, M., James, T., Archer, C., Römer, G., Levin, S., Compagnoni, A., … & Salguero‐Gómez, R. (2021). The myriad of complex demographic responses of terrestrial mammals to climate change and gaps of knowledge: a global analysis. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90(6), 1398-1407. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13467

39) Pascucci, T., Cardella, G., Hernández-Sánchez, B., & García, J. (2022). Environmental sensitivity to form a sustainable entrepreneurial intention. Sustainability, 14(16), 10398. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610398

40) Pranata, S., Wu, S., Wang, T., Liang, S., Chuang, Y., Lu, K., … & Khoiriyah, K. (2022). Discovering elements and developing strategies to implement the tailored care education for patients with diabetes through a systematic review. Nurse Media Journal of Nursing, 12(1), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v12i1.44336

41) Qin, D. (2024). Cross-sectional study of pharmacovigilance knowledge, attitudes, and practices based on structural equation modeling and network analysis: a case study of healthcare personnel and the public in yunnan province. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1358117

42) Rahman, M., Uddin, M., & Dey, A. (2021). Investigating the mediating role of online learning motivation in the covid‐19 pandemic situation in bangladesh. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(6), 1513-1527. a. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12535

43) Rogers, L., Brún, A., & McAuliffe, É. (2020). Defining and assessing context in healthcare implementation studies: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05212-7

44) Sapi, A. (2023). Factors influencing the success of e-learning implementation: a study of afghan-postgraduate students at utm-malaysia. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 1(2), 301-312. a. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(2).26

45) Sikhwari, T., Dama, N., Gadisi, A., & Matodzi, T. (2020). A comparative study of the academic performance of resident and non resident students at a rural south african university. Journal of Student Affairs in Africa, 8(1). a. https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v8i1.3468

46) Siregar, N., Rosli, R., & Nite, S. (2023). Students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) based on parental education and gender factors. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 18(2), a. em0736. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/13060

47) Villegas-Ch, W. (2023). Improving student retention in institutions of higher education through machine learning: a sustainable approach. Sustainability, 15(19), 14512. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914512

48) Wekullo, C. (2022). Institution type, selectivity, and financial aid: an examination of institutional factors influencing first-time students retention in public universities. Social Education Research, 1-14. a. https://doi.org/10.37256/ser.4120231725

49) Wekullo, C. (2022). Institution type, selectivity, and financial aid: an examination of institutional factors influencing first-time students retention in public universities. Social Education Research, 1-14. a. https://doi.org/10.37256/ser.4120231725

50) Yudiawan, A., Sunarso, B., Suharmoko, S., Sari, F., & Ahmadi, A. (2021). Successful online learning factors in covid-19 era: study of islamic higher education in west papua, indonesia. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (Ijere), 10(1), 193. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v10i1.21036

51) Yulisinta, F. (2024). A comprehensive systematic review on the multifaceted factors influencing teacher flourishing. European Journal of Educational Research, volume-13-2024(volume-13-issue-3-july-2024), 1335-1351. a. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.3.1335

52) Zarbat, A. (2023). Social-psychological adaptation of first-year students to the university learning process. Eurasian Science Review, 1(4). https://doi.org/10.63034/esr-18

53) Zhang, W., Wang, Y., Yang, L., & Wang, C. (2020). Suspending classes without stopping learning: china’s education emergency management policy in the covid-19 outbreak. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 13(3), 55. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13030055