KÕRGKOOLIST VÄLJALANGEVUS JA ÜLIÕPILASTE ENESEMÄÄRATLUS

Dropout From Higher Education in the Context of the Self-determination of Students

Abstract

Students dropping out of higher education is a worldwide occurance. The leading integration theory (Tinto 1993) posits that dropping out of higher education is indicative of weak academic integration with the university. The aim of the current research is to examine the dropout rate among Estonian universities and colleges based on Tinto’s theory. The sample used for our survey consisted of 2250 students. These students had either exmatriculated from their studies within a year, or were taking advantage of their right to an academic free year. The most important finding was that the leading cause of dropping out could be attributed to weak emotional ties with the curriculum and university. This shows that there is lack of integration. Nevertheless, most students who dropped out were still able to pursue alternative means of studies, or were able to find other job possibilities, or undertook new challenges in their personal life. Dropping out was not necessarily a tragedy for the students. The motives for dropping out cohered with the self – determination theory (Deci & Ryan 1985). Students who dropped out were often able to find new perspectives, and were able to adapt to their situation and reorganize their life accordingly. Our findings demonstate that a student’s subjective integration with the universty is very important. However, the results also show that the termination of studies does not necessarily cause a crisis, but can rather inaugurate a new experience in self-determination.