A1 Journal article (refereed)
Zero-Achievers Non-Progressing Studies in Finnish Open University : Three Preventive Factors (2021)

Maunula, M., Maunumäki, M., & Anttonen, S. (2021). Zero-Achievers Non-Progressing Studies in Finnish Open University : Three Preventive Factors. Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 34(11), 110-120. https://doi.org/10.9734/jesbs/2021/v34i1130371

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Maunula, Minna; Maunumäki, Minna; Anttonen, Sanna

Journal or series: Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science

eISSN: 2456-981X

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 34

Issue number: 11

Pages range: 110-120

Publisher: Sciencedomain International

Publication country: India

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/jesbs/2021/v34i1130371

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78541

Abstract

Current education policy responds to changes and needs in working life by guiding individuals at different stages of working careers to develop their skills in the spirit of lifelong learning. More and more are applying with hope and enthusiasm to the Open University to strengthen their competence but are unable to get their studies completed. The article explores factors related to the non-progression of studies by students at the Open University in Finland. We call non-progressing students zero-achievers who enroll in studies but do not complete a single credit during the period of course. This research is a descriptive mixed methods study. The research data was collected by an online survey sent to 414 of one Open University zero-achiever students and 185 responses were received. The qualitative data was analysed through the means of content analysis and the quantitative data was examined through percentages and averages. The data was analysed comprehensively combining the quantitative and qualitative data by themes according to the three main factors for the non-progression of studies. The Open University student explained their non-progression in studies by three preventive factors: difficulties in reconciling areas of life, lack of generic skills, and passivity in seeking guidance. The purpose of this research is to raise zero-achievement as a phenomenon at a time marked by the ideal of high performance, the ideology of lifelong learning and the digitalization and massification of higher education. Alongside the ideal of efficiency, a wide range of students must be remembered in educational systems. The research contributes important new knowledge to education policy, to academic community and for university students to identify and avoid preventive factors for the progression of studies. Based on the research, the construction of shared understanding about above aspects is recommended to reach common goals.

Keywords: open university; lifelong learning; performance (coping); study attainments; study performance; dropping out; pre-emption; time use; family life; working life; study; combining; learning to learn; education policy

Free keywords: Open University; education policy; work-family-study; generic skills; guidance

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1