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Soft Skills and the Implementation of Best Practices to Reduce Early Student Dropout (ETR)
This chapter presents a pedagogical experience developed within the introductory courses of UNAD’s ETR training program, aimed at reducing early student dropout through the implementation of soft skills and strategies associated with good academic practices. The proposal was developed in response to low student completion and retention rates identified in engineering programs, particularly among first-year students facing challenges related to technology use, adaptation to online learning environments, and academic workload management.
The initiative is grounded in the strengthening of social-emotional competencies, communication skills, teamwork, empathy, adaptability, and flexibility, all integrated into the academic support provided by e-mediators. The strategy incorporates continuous monitoring through dynamic matrices, segmented early-warning systems, communication through synchronous and asynchronous channels, audiovisual feedback, motivational messaging, and personalized support for students at risk of dropping out.
The document describes five methodological stages focused on characterizing academic risk, identifying underperforming students, implementing remedial actions, and generating reports for institutional follow-up. It also presents indicators related to student recovery, satisfaction levels, and historical comparisons of pass rates between 2018 and 2021, demonstrating significant improvements in academic performance following the implementation of the strategy.
The proposal integrates the principles of the UNAD Pedagogical Model with student-centered pedagogical mediation processes, promoting inclusive learning environments and support mechanisms responsive to students’ social, emotional, and technological circumstances. The use of digital tools, communication platforms, and techno-pedagogical resources fosters teacher–student interaction and strengthens strategies for academic retention and persistence in virtual learning environments.
