Using the Kolbe Conative Index for Improving Retention

Using the Kolbe Conative Index™ for Improving Retention of Computer Science Students Robert Lingard Elizabeth Berry Brenda Timmerman California State University, Northridge October 23, 2004

Overview l l l The Retention Problem What Does the Kolbe Conative Index™ Measure? Results From Previous Studies With Upper Division Students? Current Studies With Freshmen? How Can We Use This Information to Improve Retention? Conclusions and Recommendations October 23, 2004

The Retention Problem l l l At CSUN fewer than 20% of students who decide to major in Computer Science as freshmen complete the program. Many report that the graduation rate in Computer Science is the lowest, or near the lowest, of all majors in the university. Improving retention requires understanding the reasons for the high drop out rates. October 23, 2004

The Kolbe Concept® l What It Is. . . – – – It identifies the instincts that drive ones NATURAL behaviors it describes “MO” it focuses on strengths -- how to help people be more productive and effective it is universal it is equal (unbiased) October 23, 2004

The Kolbe Concept® l What It Is Not. . . – – – about how smart someone is about social style about personality about right or wrong there is no good or bad October 23, 2004

The Kolbe Instinctive Talents l l Fact Finder Follow Thru Quick Start Implementor October 23, 2004

The “Fact Finder” l l Probes Asks Questions Weighs Pros and Cons Collects Data and Establishes Priorities before Making a Decision October 23, 2004

The “Follow Thru” Individual l Seeks Structure Makes Schedules Needs a Sense of Order and Plans Ahead October 23, 2004

The “Quick Start” l l l Innovates Takes Risks Improvises Plays Hunches When Asked to Give a Presentation, Comfortably Ad Libs October 23, 2004

The “Implementor” l l l Uses Space and Materials Builds and Constructs Uses Hands-on Equipment with Ease Creates Handcrafted Models Insists on Quality Materials October 23, 2004

Sample “Kolbe” Results October 23, 2004

Team Synergy as Defined by Kolbe October 23, 2004

Synergistic Teams Perform Better October 23, 2004

Kolbe Profile of Upper Division Computer Science Students October 23, 2004

Kolbe Profile of Marketing Managers October 23, 2004

Kolbe Profile Comparisons CS Students vs. Marketing Managers October 23, 2004

Kolbe Profile Comparisons Upper Division vs. Freshmen October 23, 2004

Kolbe Profile Comparisons Upper Division vs. Faculty October 23, 2004