There is no universal remedy for student dropouts in further education and each college is likely to take a unique approach to the problem, according to a report by Norah Fitzcharles of Cumbernauld College, published by the Scottish Further Education Unit.
Ms Fitzcharles found that colleges that have tackled the problem successfully have taken a "hearts and minds" approach, stressing improvement and development rather than punishment and discipline.
Lecturers and support staff were prepared to listen to personal and social problems as well as academic difficulties.
Ms Fitzcharles's report appears in Policy and Practice: Studies of the FE Sector (Volume 3) .
- To buy the report, contact Ian Mitchell: 01786 892049.