Causes of attrition in first year students in capstone courses and recommendations for intervention

This paper identifies research work undertaken in 2002 that examined the notion of why first year students leave university. Utilising a case study approach, this research identified students enrolled in three foundation year courses in science. To demonstrate the context of attrition at a regional university, student data were extrapolated and examined. Difficulty arose when defining the parameters of attrition as processes to enhance retention became fuzzier. The social and educational influences surrounding attrition were considered an important factor in persistence of academic work and study. The paper reinforces the seminal work done by Yorke (1998), and through recommendations identifies the interrelationships among the institutions, its staff, the pedagogy and student responsibilities within the learning journey.