Abstract:

Dropping out of school is a real problem in recent years, especially for first-year students, both at European and national level. In this context, the aim of research was the identification on the main factors that determine students in Romania to drop out of college, in order to find solutions, means and tools useful in reducing the high dropout rate and increasing the academic performance of students. In order to identify the main needs of students, an online questionnaire developed within the project "E-tutoring: web tools and resources for study and career management" - 2018-1-IT02-KA203-048005, Erasmus + was applied. The analysis of the data collected by applying the questionnaire was performed using Qualitative Content Analysis. The result of the analysis highlighted the fact that the main factors that contribute to school dropout are generated by financial problems, teaching methods, inappropriate choice of specialization and lack of counseling support. The results demonstrate the need for an innovative system, based on peer learning and the lifelong career guidance approach..