The Impact of Motivation on Retention Rates of Adult Learners at Madison College, West Campus

File(s)
Date
2014-12-11Author
Bauer, Ashley R.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin--Stout
Department
Training and Human Resources Development
Advisor(s)
Chandler, Renee
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this study was to discover adult learners’ motivations for staying at
Madison College West Campus for the next semester. Madison College, West Campus is a
relatively new location whose future is undetermined. Retention rates at Madison College
overall are at 55.8% and is currently implementing measures in hopes that retention will increase
to 64% within three years. By using the 2x2 achievement goal framework (Elliot & McGregor,
2001), this paper seeks to identify motivations of adult students at the West Campus. This
knowledge will identify characteristics that may increase retention rates across the college. Data
were collected via a modified achievement goal questionnaire from 130 students in seven
classrooms asking what motivates them to return to Madison College next semester. Participants
ranged from18 to over 50; 67 were 23 or younger and 63 were 24 or older. The results indicated
a statistically significant correlation between performance-approach with mastery-approach and
performance-avoidance. There was also a positive correlation between performance-avoidance
with mastery-approach. This concludes that adult students who return to Madison College take
an interest in learning the material and want to have their accomplishments recognized and limit
their failures.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95520Type
Thesis
Description
Plan B