October 23, 2004 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 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 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 ® 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 ® 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 Fact Finder Follow Thru Quick Start Implementor

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

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

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

October 23, 2004 The “Implementor” 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