Return or Not to Return to In-Person Classes? Motivations and Fears that Influence University Dropout in Colombia in the Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract

Objective: The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted face-to-face education in most countries of the world. Colombian universities were no exception and now, with the return to physical classrooms, they face new challenges to guarantee student retention and prevent academic dropouts from increasing. In this sense, the present study aimed to identify the motivations and fears experienced by some Colombian university students when returning to the physical classroom, and how these variables intervene in the decision to return or drop out. The results provide relevant knowledge about the challenges of higher education in the post-pandemic period. Materials and Method: This descriptive-explanatory research involved a convenience sampling of professional career students in Colombia. Two reliable scales were applied to evaluate the perception of these students in each of the factors and indicators associated with the variables analyzed. Results: It was found that the main motivations for returning had to do with improving performance and recovering academic normality. These motivations proved to be a significant predictor that strengthens the decision to return. In contrast, psychosocial and economic fears increase the risk of desertion. Conclusion: The fears identified in this new normality when they are not learned to manage are risk factors for desertion, while academic and psychological motivations are protective factors. In the final discussion, educational and health recommendations are provided to prevent dropout.