Art school abridged: exploring the inferior completion rates of art colleges

Inspired by the data showing the top private art colleges of Art & Design predominantly achieved completion rates below their private college counterparts, this study investigated the conditions and influences that encourage and dissuade persistence among undergraduate majors enrolled in a visual art programs. This qualitative study was conducted at a large, highly selective, private research university. Students in this study represented the second through fourth year of undergraduate matriculation, eight students in total. Their interviews and responses covered issues of student engagement, mentorship, social relationship, mental health, and post graduation expectations. The accounts of their interactions within these subject areas were analyzed through Bronfenbrenner’s human ecology scheme and Tinto’s membership and mentorship model. The research found significant dissatisfaction with student community, faculty engagement, professional preparation, and economic expectation. Further research areas are suggested.

本研究基于相关数据展开：数据显示，顶尖私立艺术与设计院校的毕业率普遍低于同层级私立院校的平均水平。据此，本研究针对视觉艺术专业本科在校生的学业坚持行为，探究促进或阻碍其完成学业的各类条件与影响因素。本研究为质性研究，实施于一所规模庞大、录取门槛极高的私立研究型大学。本次研究的受访对象均为本科二至四年级在读学生，共计8人。受访学生的访谈与回复内容涵盖学生学术参与、导师指导、社交关系、心理健康以及毕业预期等议题。研究采用布朗芬布伦纳人类生态系统理论（Bronfenbrenner’s human ecology scheme）与廷托归属感与导师指导模型（Tinto’s membership and mentorship model），对学生在上述领域的互动经历进行了分析。结果显示，受访学生对学生社群、教师参与度、职业准备以及经济预期均存在显著不满。本研究最后提出了若干后续研究方向。