Using the Kolbe A™ Conative Index to Study the Retention of Computer Science Students

Abstract

Recent studies at California State University, Northridge using the Kolbe A™ index have shown differences in conative profiles between computer science students near graduation and those just entering the program. Since conation, or a person's inherent talent or natural way of doing things, relates to how a student approaches learning, it may provide clues as to why some students quit the program prior to graduation. The Kolbe instrument used in this study is a tool for measuring conative talents. It has been widely used in industry to aid in management activities and assist in the formation of effective teams. Its use in education has been limited, but it has potential for providing insight regarding differences in student learning and in understanding issues related to student retention. For example, one recent study showed a significantly higher implementor conative instinct among entering students than existed among graduating students. This suggests that some students with strong implementor talents may have dropped out of the program, possibly because they were not given sufficient opportunity to engage in "hands on" activities. It may be that some students are discouraged from continuing in the major because they find the learning environment incompatible with the natural ways they approach learning.

Improving Learning Productivity and Teamwork Skills in Freshman Engineering Students through Conative Understanding

“…Even at the freshman level a lack of conative diversity is present in engineering. This phenomenon was also shown by Lingard et al 10 . Typically successful engineering students will be insistent Fact Finder and/or insistent Follow Thru.…”

“…Further, a 2005 study provides evidence that students with certain conative strengths either preferentially self-select for engineering programs, or are more likely to persist in those programs. This suggests that students with alternative strengths may be discouraged somewhere along the way from pursuing engineering degrees 10 . Incorporation of conation into the curriculum may improve retention in STEM and persistence of diversity in conative strengths.…”

PA1710-5-macet : Make-modelo adaptativo para la conformación de equipos de trabajo

“…Las funciones objetivo del modelo están orientadas a minimizar el costo de entrenamiento, minimizar la distancia entre las capacidades del empleado y los requerimientos del trabajo y minimizar las desviaciones de la sinergia deseada. La sinergia es medida a partir de factores relacionados con el Kolbe Conative Index [54]. Factores relacionados con la experiencia, la educación, motivación, experticia y las aptitudes de los empleados, complementan la conformación de equipos.…”

Improving Engineering Student Preparedness, Persistence, and Diversity Through Conative Understanding

“…For example, Paimin et al (2011) performed a study examining cognitive, affective and conative factors in persistence and found that learning intention (a conative measure) was crucially influential in students' levels of persistence in engineering, and affirmed the importance of identifying these intentions and fostering the link between intention and motivation for individual students (Paimin et al 2011). Further, Lingard, Berry et al (2005) provide evidence of students with certain conative strengths either preferentially self-select for engineering programs, or are more likely to persist in those programs. This suggests that students with alternative strengths may be discouraged somewhere along the way from pursuing engineering degrees (Lingard et al 2005).…”

“…Further, Lingard, Berry et al (2005) provide evidence of students with certain conative strengths either preferentially self-select for engineering programs, or are more likely to persist in those programs. This suggests that students with alternative strengths may be discouraged somewhere along the way from pursuing engineering degrees (Lingard et al 2005). …”