Predicting and resolving non-completion in higher (online) education – A literature review

Non-completion in higher education is a persistent problem and even worse of a problem in higher online education. Although there is a lot of research on predictors of non-completion, less is known about what interventions resolve the non-completion problem and to what extent these interventions focus on relevant predictors of non-completion. To close that gap, the literature was systematically reviewed with a twofold aim: 1. Identify modifiable predictors of non-completion in higher (online) education 2. Investigate characteristics of effective interventions to reduce non-completion in higher (online) education. Results showed that study- or learning strategies, academic self-efficacy, (academic) goals and intentions, institutional or college adjustment, employment, supportive network, and faculty-student interaction are modifiable consistent predictors of non-completion. Coaching, remedial teaching, and peer mentoring are promising interventions to resolve the problem of non-completion in higher education. Interventions aimed at increasing completion rates are limited in targeting relevant modifiable predictors of non-completion.