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15(6)2025

Development and validation of a scale to predict college student retention among bachelor of elementary education students in the Philippines


Author - Affiliation:
Angelito Cabanilla Jr. - Cebu Normal University, Cebu
Rhey Dizon - University of San Carlos, Cebu
Miramar Serrion - Biliran Province State University, Naval
Sylvester Cortes - Cebu Technological University, Cebu
Corresponding author: Sylvester Cortes - sylvester.cortes@ctu.edu.ph
Submitted: 19-01-2024
Accepted: 10-06-2024
Published: 18-10-2024

Abstract
Student retention is a challenging task and has been a primary concern for tertiary institutions. Hence, a newly developed researcher-made instrument anchored on Hope Theory and Student Departure Theory was generated to conduct regression analysis to investigate what variables may predict student retention. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, this study aimed to explore the factors predicting student retention in higher education. Two hundred eleven (211) students with a Bachelor of Elementary Education from higher education institutions in the Philippines participated in an online survey. Results revealed that clarity of educational goals, goal-oriented thoughts, and motivation were found to be significant predictors of BEED student retention. The model may be used as a guiding framework for designing programs that ensure student retention in the degree program.

Keywords
bachelor of elementary education; confirmatory factor analysis; multiple regression analysis; Philippines; scale development and validation; student retention

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