Date of Award

Fall 8-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Rhonda Bishop

Second Advisor

Dr. Sherry DeVore

Third Advisor

Dr. Doug Hayter

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the personal characteristics that predicted the study outcome of students in higher education. Study outcome was defined as a student’s grade point average and re-enrolling for the following semester. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate whether a student’s former education, personality characteristics, orientation on learning, and study approach influenced study outcome. Of these 11 explanatory variables analyzed against study outcome, many were found to have a direct impact on study outcome. The results of this study provided insight into the predictive ability of personal characteristics and former education on study outcome. Implications of the value of using these personal characteristics in program development, advising, and instructional delivery were explored. Significant findings from this research provide the ability to identify probable obstacles to academic success from the beginning of a student’s educational path. These findings could be used to implement proactive programming in higher education to improve student retention.

Rights

Copyright 2015

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