Rendimiento académico y deserción universitaria: un caso de estudio aplicado a la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

This research had the objective of identify the principal associated factors of the university academic development, accessed through the academic performance and the dropout decision. Four dimensions are considered: personal, academic, institutional and motivational. A mixed methodology is proposed: firstly, a qualitative analysis is conducted through focus groups, then based on the results, a quantitative approach is done collecting primary source information for matching with university databases. The population of interest is formed by the bachelor students from the University of Cuenca, which is studied through two different samples, according to the interest variables requirements. Academic Performance is analyzed using Ordinal Least Squares methods, including instrumental variables. Also ordinal logit and quantile regression are used. For dropout decision, survival analysis is conducted through duration models. The principal results shows the existence of higher structural academic heterogeneity between the different knowledge areas and schools of the University. Moreover, academic performance is better explained by personal and academic factors, and the control variables´ influence changes across different grades levels. Dropout is better characterized by academic factors, identifying the leveling course as one of the most important. Finally, the evidence suggests the first semesters as the higher risked for leaving university.