Dropout in Higher Education: Reasons and Solutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the formation process of dropout in higher education, the factors affecting this process and the solutions offered to prevent it by benefitingfrom the views of academic along with the students who experienced dropout and returnedback to education via student amnesties. The study was designed as a phenomenological study.The study group includes 12 students who studied at different faculties and colleges of TrakyaUniversity during the term of 2010-2011 academic year and 6 academic members from threedifferent faculties. Data were acquired by using semi-structured interview. In the study, it wasnoticed that academic adaptation and financial problems were emphasized frequently as thedropout reasons by the students and the academicians. The students and the academiciansthink that efficient counseling support can be a solution to many problems that lead to studentdropouts