Students and dropout: an analysis of perceptions and contributing factors = Studenti e dispersione: un’analisi delle percezioni e dei fattori implicati

Arianna Marras

;Davide Perrota;Marta De Angelis;Giovanni Bonaiuti;Filippo Bruni;Anna Dipace

2025-01-01

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Abstract

The paper explores individual, motivational, and contextual factors associated with school dropout, drawing on data from 298 first-year students enrolled in technical institutes with an Information Technology (IT) focus, within the TALENTED project. The study explores perceptions of school, interest in studying, motivations behind educational choices, and students’ relationship with learning, analyzing variables such as anxiety, resilience, perceived abilities, and personal beliefs, also in relation to grade repetition. The findings highlight the relevance of occupational prospects in shaping educational choices, the prevalence of extrinsic and selective motivations, and higher levels of anxiety coupled with lower resilience among repeating students. The evidence emphasizes the need for educational strategies aimed at fostering well-being, promoting early guidance, and creating motivating learning environments.