Friday, May 15, 2015

The Relationship of Student Employment to Student Role, Family Relationship, Social Interactions, and Persistence

This study examines the relationships of college student employment and it's effect on student life. Approximately 500, 19-24 years old, mid-western university undergraduates participated in an "online" survey. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analyses, reliability and correlations. Study time/student time positively correlated with employment while grade point negatively correlated with employment. Attendance and family relationships were not related to employment.

"Beyond class" (social interaction) and persistence toward a degree positively correlated with employment while extra-curricular activities and socializing negatively correlated with employment. Employment was not related to study time, however, it was found that students spend less time preparing for class than recommended. Consistent with other research, students who are employed more has lower GPA's. A correlation between attendance and employment was not found, possibly due to students effectively coordinating work and class schedules. Although greater employment would likely predict less time spent with family, this finding was not validated by the data. Increased time on campus correlated with student success, possibly due to students' feeling connected to peers and faculty. A positive correlation between employment and persistence toward a degree was found.

 

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