Improving Student Retention in Online College Classes: Qualitative Insights from Faculty

Abstract

This article provides qualitative insights into addressing the issue of student retention in online classes in higher education. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted at random with 16 faculty who teach online courses at a large community college in the Northeast about how to improve online student retention. Qualitative analysis using grounded theory methodology revealed participants discussed that student retention in online courses could be increased by making changes to the screening process for potential online students, improving the student orientation for online courses, the college administration providing additional support to faculty who do online teaching, and online faculty being more responsible to students. Administrators should be aware that changes made in any of these areas may improve student retention in online classes.