Orientation of the French A-Level Graduates and Pedagogic Investment in French Universities

Abstract

As access to higher education has steadily become more and more democratized in France, academic failure and dropping out during the first year of Bachelor Degree ("Baccaluréat+1") have become subjects of priority in the field of education research. Our article questions how professors can use statistical data at their disposal to support new students, with the aim of fighting absenteeism and academic failure. What kind of tools do these professors have in order to improve academic success within these first year students on a shortterm basis as well as on a local level? N. B.: In France, secondary education ends with the "Baccalauréat" or "Bac" (more or less A-Level). In this paper we will use the English word. After three years of postsecondary education in the university students can complete a Bachelor Degree called "Licence" in France ("Bac+3"); then after two extra years they can complete a Master degree ("Bac+5") and after three extra years a PhD (called "Doctorat" in French: "Bac+8").