School dropout, a persistent problem in several educational systems, has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study sought to analyze the causes of dropout at the Technological University of Durango, Mexico, during this period, investigating both external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous) factors to the educational system.
Exogenous Factors:
Unfavorable economic conditions, such as poverty and lack of financial resources, were identified as one of the main exogenous factors that drove school dropout. The pandemic worsened the economic situation of many families, leading students to abandon their studies in search of work to help support their families (Bohórquez and Contreras, 2018). Furthermore, the lack of family support and the need to reconcile studies with domestic responsibilities also contributed to school dropout, especially among women (Torres, Acevedo and Gallo, 2015).
Endogenous Factors:
Public policies in the educational sector also played a relevant role in school dropout. The measures adopted during the pandemic, such as emergency remote teaching, were considered inadequate and contradictory by students, making it difficult to adapt to the new teaching format and interact with teachers (Martínez Galván et al., 2023). The lack of adequate infrastructure and technological resources also represented an obstacle for many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
Implications for the Institution:
The results of the study point to the need for the Technological University of Durango to consider the socioeconomic, cultural and family factors of students, in addition to their intellectual, emotional and social skills, in order to prevent school dropout. It is essential that the institution offers financial and emotional support to students in vulnerable situations, in addition to investing in infrastructure and technological resources to guarantee quality education, even in crisis situations.
Reference :
BOHÓRQUEZ, C.; CONTRERAS, J. Factors associated with school dropout in the educational trade center institution of Piedecuesta. 2018.
TORRES, J.; ACEVEDO, D.; GALLO, L. Causes and consequences of desertion, and student repetition: An overview in the Latin American context. Culture Education and Society Magazine, v. 6, no. 2, p. 157-187, 2015.
MARTÍNEZ GALVÁN, Mario Alberto et al. Causes of school dropout during the covid-19 period at the Technological University of Durango, Mexico. CPAH Science Journal of Health, Rio de Janeiro, v. 6, no. 1, p. 1-14, 2023.
