Attrition Indicators Among Students in Introductory Physical Geology: Traditional vs. Online Learning

Thomas DePriest, University of Tennessee at Martin
Stan Dunagan, University of Tennessee at Martin
Angelena MacKewn, University of Tennessee at Martin
Erica Bell, University of Tennessee at Martin

https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2025.22.4.3 

Abstract

Although online learning has increased in popularity in higher education, attrition rates in this delivery method are also high. An archival study over a 14-year time period was conducted to (a) compare the drop rates in a face-to-face vs. online introduction to physical geology course and (b) explore possible factors related to the probability of a student dropping a class. Key factors related to higher drop rates were method of delivery, sex, age (preadult, adult), major (STEM, non-STEM), and history of previous drops. This study suggests that building a demographic profile for those who tend to drop physical geology in an online format may be possible and worth further investigation.

Keywords: online, geology, attrition, withdrawal rates, method of instruction