Entries by Natalia Czachor

Discover methods to reduce student dropout – how to keep students at university?

The phenomenon of student dropout, meaning students leaving their studies before completing their degree, is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for higher education institutions in Poland. To help address this issue, the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has announced a call for proposals titled “Effective University Management to Minimize the Dropout Phenomenon.” This initiative offers universities an excellent opportunity to obtain funding for projects aimed at reducing student attrition.

What actions should be included in a proposal to increase the chances of receiving funding? Below are several recommendations that may help in preparing a successful application.

Discover Methods to Reduce Student Dropout – How to Keep Students at University? image

What activities can be founded?

According to the official NCBR call documentation, funding may cover initiatives such as:

  • Increasing the effectiveness of the student recruitment process
  • Establishing or strengthening student support structures (e.g., career offices)
  • Implementing changes in the education delivery process (e.g., distance or hybrid learning)
  • Introducing remedial classes, psychological support, and financial assistance
  • Developing or expanding systems for monitoring the dropout phenomenon at universities

Although these objectives may appear straightforward, success largely depends on conducting a thorough analysis of the problem and designing coherent, well-structured solutions.

Key challenges for applications?

Applicants face two main challenges:

 

Effective analysis of the dropout phenomenon

It is essential to identify the primary causes of students leaving their studies. A wide range of factors should be considered, including students’ economic challenges, difficulties adapting to academic life, or teaching methods that may not fully address students’ learning needs.

 

Defining effective interventions

 

Institutions should propose concrete actions that directly address the challenges identified during the analysis phase. Investing in modern teaching methods that increase student engagement can significantly reduce dropout rates.

How to analyze the dropout phenomenon? 

Conducting a reliable analysis requires collecting data and feedback from multiple sources. Universities may consider:

  • Student surveys to better understand the reasons behind decisions to leave university
  • Financial data analysis to determine whether economic factors, such as tuition fees, play a significant role
  • Interviews with lecturers and university staff to identify the challenges students face during their studies

Using industry business simulations as a solution

Industry Business Simulations are an innovative educational tool that fits perfectly into initiatives aimed at reducing student dropout. Introducing simulations into the curriculum activates students and enables them to apply their knowledge in practice.

 

Simulations help develop key competencies such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Moreover, 88% of lecturers who have used Industry Business Simulations in their courses confirm that they increase student engagement and improve knowledge retention.

 

Through simulations, students manage virtual companies, learning not only theoretical concepts but also practical skills required in the labor market. Additionally, simulations allow instructors to monitor students’ progress, supporting both evaluation and student development.

Benefits of implementing simulations as university 

Business simulations not only increase student engagement but also improve the overall quality of teaching. They allow students to see the direct consequences of their decisions, which enhances motivation and learning effectiveness.

 

Integrated progress-monitoring tools enable lecturers to evaluate student performance in real time, providing better support and faster responses to learning difficulties.

 

High effectiveness: Research shows that 97% of lecturers using Industry Business Simulations evaluate them positively, and 95% would recommend them to their colleagues.

Conclusions

To successfully apply for funding under the program “Effective University Management to Minimize the Dropout Phenomenon,” proposals must be based on a solid analysis of the problem and clearly defined, well-designed actions.

 

Industry Business Simulations are an excellent tool to support these objectives by providing students with practical skills and actively engaging them in the learning process.

Related articles