Interpreting Causes of Attrition in an Information Technology (I.T.) Under graduate Degree Program within a Gulf State Regional University Adebiaye Richmond*, Alryalat Haroun**, Ammar Khalid*** *Associate Professor, College of Information Technology, Ajman University of Science and Technology, UAE **Dean, College of Information Technology, Ajman University of Science and Technology, UAE ***HOD, Computer Engineering, Ajman University of Science and Technology, UAE Online published on 27 February, 2017. Abstract Recruitment and retention of students are multifaceted problems involving two parties-the student and the institution. This paper draws on surveys conducted in spring 2016 which examined factors linked to attrition rates and retention ratio with implications on what motivates students to continue learning in an Information Technology (IT) program. During the initial evaluation, several areas of potential relevance were analyzed, including the geo-demographic characteristics of students and their achievements once enrolled in the program. Two particular factors were clearly correlated with attrition: the course teaching methodology/preferences of students and the default instructional mode of course delivery. The study analyzes the academic and demographic characteristics of admitted, matriculated degree-seeking students (N = 150) from spring to summer 2016 and limited to four-year baccalaureate degrees with setting at a regional University in Ajman, UAE. Demographic variables analyzed were age, gender, and ethnicity, while the academic variables analyzed were program delivery mode, instructional delivery method, and teaching strategies, including communications in learning, classroom management, students’ assessment plans, and grade point average at time of dropout. Logistic regression analysis showed age, instructional delivery format, and effective communications have significant unique effects beyond other predictors on dropout or classroom motivations in the Information Technology program overall. Language barriers or family commitments also had significant unique effects beyond other predictors on dropout or motivations to continue or complete the program. While few demographic factors were found to be strong indicators of attrition, two other factors, such as, course delivery mechanisms and effective instructional methodologies were significantly correlated with specific variables, such as; course methodology or program preference and instructional delivery methods which also influenced educational performances. The fact that the B.S. degree in Information Technology offers a wide range of courses with diverse students’ population makes it imperative to develop diverse and quality instructional delivery modes or methods in order to ensure effective attrition ratio, improved retention rates, effective motivation for continuing to study and provision of consistent program standards. Top Keywords Attrition, Attrition rate, Teaching strategy, Instructional delivery, Students’ drop-out. Top |