Student - Related factor for dropping out in the first year of studies at LLU engineering programmes

Abstract

In the 17th SEFI seminar, "Mathematical Education of Engineers", which was held in 2014, it was noted that many students have big problems starting their studies because of their lack of mathematical competencies. However, the low level of mathematical competence is not the only cause for dropping out in the first year of studies. There are many causes of student failure in universities and the main of them are: 1) student-related factors, 2) life and socioeconomic issues, 3) failures of the educational system. The aim of this research is to study the causes for dropping out in the first year of studies among engineering students at the Latvia University of Agriculture (LLU). The study is based on the analysis of mathematics test results of students from the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Information Technologies as well as on the survey data analysis. The survey collected data and opinions regarding students': 1) attitude towards learning; 2) efforts in the study process 3) motivation and interest; 4) personality issues such as lack of social connections, lack of the support system and network, and poor self-esteem and self-confidence 5) economic issues. The analysis of the survey results showed that the core problem at the LLU is not only insufficient students' background knowledge in mathematics, but also their attitude towards learning, laziness to make efforts to do additional tasks or attend tutorials and lack of self-control. Students need to be motivated to want to learn and work hard to make faster gains and learn better than those who are bright but less motivated.