The dropout at the State University of Western Paraná: analysis through administrative records

Abstract

This paper researches the dropout of students at the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (Unioeste) from the beginning of 2010 academic year to the beginning of 2018, considering only those who have entered until 2015. This cut-off year (2015) has the goal of providing a period for the students in the sample (and for the study) to define their situation in the university (dropping out or not). The data sources were the academic administrative records containing information on enrollment, academic performance, and the student’s academic status (attending classes or dropping out), thus a socioeconomic survey regularly applied to candidates for the vacancies in the entrance exam. The goal is to cross information seeking to identify characteristics of the phenomenon and possible associated causes. The analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as associating tests (Chi-square), mean/median comparisons and correlation analysis. Data were analyzed using the R software (R Core Team, 2020). The study identified that the dropout is associated with: the under-graduation course; family income; extra work alongside with college; parental education; shift; course modality; grade; competition in the entrance exam among other variables already observed in the literature. As theoretical support, the study is based on Vincent Tinto, Alain Coulon and, mainly, on the theory of Habitus, by Pierre Bourdieu. From this perspective, we have observed a multicausal nature in the dropout phenomenon. In addition, socioeconomic characteristics create different types of difficulties that, when associated to other causes, end up determining different chances of carrying on in the university.