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An examination of the relationship between student vocational talents and freshman satisfaction, academic achievement, and retention at a small private college

. University of Georgia, PhD Thesis, (1999)

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to determine the extent to which a student's vocational talents influence retention, academic achievement, and satisfaction with faculty, student affairs staff, the social life, and his or her ability to do academic work during the first semester of college. The relationships between vocational talents and outcomes are explored by comparison to tested student characteristics. The sample consisted of 69 first-year students attending a small religiously affiliated four-year college. IDAK theory was used to identify Communicational, Relational, and Functional talents for each student. Demographic and satisfaction data collected by survey and IDAK data collected in oral interviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. The study finds that student IDAK talent data, though time consuming to gather and difficult to analyze for a small sample, nonetheless suggest several relationships with student success. Though weak, when considered together these relationships provide insight into the first semester college experience. Student IDAK talent combinations were found that may help identify students that are potentially at higher risk for attrition at this and other colleges. Retention strategies are suggested for assisting these students in their adjustment and continued success in college.

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