Abstract:

The research used a sample of 306 students from the nursing school at UNIVERSIDAD DEL PACIFICO-CHILE within the period 2008 to 2011, showing a growth sustained of dropout; but below the University average. This problem is among the main concerns of the School Directory. Therefore, it was proposed to determine the dropout behavior in order to revert it in the medium term. The Kolb’s Learning Style (KLS) test has been performed since 2008 academic year, and only to new students. The School has a refined database connecting the learning styles with the Students Academic Situation (SAS). Two variables of analysis were set such as KLS and SAS, with 6 to 8 parameters respectively, and three domains of study such as the Total Students (TSD), Dropout Students (DSD) and Relevant Dropout Students (RDSD). Such domains were detected and sequentially set during the research. Within each domain, it was performed a temporal analysis of each study group in the 2008-2011 period. The research was supported by statistical analysis in order to determine the trends and similarities of the behavior variables that allowed to next conclusions:

1.The dropout rose steadily from 2% to 12% in the studied period.
2.The growth gradient of the incoming population is notoriously minor to the growth gradient dropout population, from 5% to 39% in average respectively.
3.The composition of KLS in each promotion is markedly assimilatory and without style measurement for studied period.
4.The DSD showing us the null return of students from this domain

The results suggest the implemention of politics and academic protocols which allow both to revert the dropout behavior and to incorporate in the research metodology, teaching and academic management variables which allow to reveal the basal causes of the phenomenon.

Keywords:

Kolb`s Learnig Style, Dropout.