The Impact of Motivation on Retention Rates of Adult Learners at Madison College, West Campus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover adult learners’ motivations for staying at Madison College West Campus for the next semester. Madison College, West Campus is a relatively new location whose future is undetermined. Retention rates at Madison College overall are at 55.8% and is currently implementing measures in hopes that retention will increase to 64% within three years. By using the 2x2 achievement goal framework (Elliot & McGregor, 2001), this paper seeks to identify motivations of adult students at the West Campus. This knowledge will identify characteristics that may increase retention rates across the college. Data were collected via a modified achievement goal questionnaire from 130 students in seven classrooms asking what motivates them to return to Madison College next semester. Participants ranged from18 to over 50; 67 were 23 or younger and 63 were 24 or older. The results indicated a statistically significant correlation between performance-approach with mastery-approach and performance-avoidance. There was also a positive correlation between performance-avoidance with mastery-approach. This concludes that adult students who return to Madison College take an interest in learning the material and want to have their accomplishments recognized and limit their failures.