Back to Search Start Over

The Impact of Family Research on Major Declaration, Self-Efficacy, and Retention of College Students

The Impact of Family Research on Major Declaration, Self-Efficacy, and Retention of College Students

Authors :
Keelen, Felicia L.
Source :
Online Submission. 2022Ed.D. Scholarly Research Project, Bradley University.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Retention and student success are priorities for many universities. At Midwest Public University (MPU), a pseudonym for four-year, urban, public, first-time, first-year students have been retained at lower rates than the national average for four-year public institutions. However, MPU students with declared majors have been retained at higher rates than students without majors. This mixed-methods study examined the impact of family research on major declaration, self-efficacy, and retention of college students with the intent of providing additional data on methods used to impact the retention rates of college students. First-time, first-year students in one of MPU's summer bridge programs participated in a family career research activity and a final group project. Qualitative data were obtained from surveys, retention data, and major declaration data. Select questions from pre-program and post-program surveys were reviewed to measure students' self-reported sense of self-efficacy and ability to choose a major and understand career choices. MPU retention and major declaration data were reviewed and compared to the survey results. Quantitative data were obtained from interviews and observational data from the family career research activity and the final group project. The results of this study indicated that family research activities may have a positive impact on students' comfort with choosing a major and their commitment to continuing college and obtaining a degree. However, MPU's first-time, first-year students' level of comfort and commitment to choosing a major does not result in those students declaring majors. Implications for practice include implementing university-wide and consistent activities to encourage first-year students to declare majors within their first year or first 30 credit hours and conduct family research projects that are connected to career development in different university cohort programs.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Online Submission
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
ED624437
Document Type :
Reports - Research<br />Tests/Questionnaires