Re-conceptualising attrition and retention: integrating thoretical, research and student perspectives

摘要

[Abstract]: Higher education is becoming increasingly pre-occupied by issues relating to student attrition and retention. There are active debates about the reasons for attrition and the effectiveness of retention models and strategies. These debates are largely expressed through political and empirical perspectives but lack theoretical perspectives capable of providing integrated understandings of the processes involved. This paper integrates research and theoretical perspectives to generate a re-conceptualisation of the processes of retention. This re-conceptualisation takes the form of a theoretical shift, the deficit-discourse shift, and two conceptual representations, the Framework for Student Transition and Retention and the Model for Student Success Practices. The shift and the framework illustrate the student-institution relationship by connecting students' transition and retention with their engagement, mastery and demonstration of mainstream institutional literacies/discourses. The model introduces practical strategies that students can use to facilitate their transition to and engagement with the new university culture. A third perspective, the student voice is provided to give insight into these processes. The integration of the three perspectives challenges both universities and students to become more committed to and involved in students' transition and retention.