Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Education

Program

Education

Supervisor

Dr. Jerry Paquette

Abstract

For the first time in the history of Iran, the literacy levels of women are higher than that of men. However, males are culturally and socially preferred in positions of influence and decision making. Therefore, education in Iran is not having the beneficial effects that it should as the people who end up in positions of power may lack the needed education. This thesis investigates the reasons why boys choose to drop out of school, and the societal perceptions, influences, and consequences of boys dropping out of school. To conduct this research, I interviewed 8 dropouts, 5 teachers, and 1 administrator who attended or worked at various pre-college level state schools. This research is a qualitative case study, so the perceptions and opinions of the interviewees were of primary importance. The results of this study indicated that a combination of factors is responsible for the drop-out problem, including economic problems, poor quality of teachers and educational materials, and the Iran-Iraq war. Although the dropouts indicated they had difficulty with school material, and that the environment was not conducive to education, they all ultimately left school for financial reasons. Similarly, the teachers indicated that the war and the current economic problems of the country resulted in an education system with a lower quality and a lower emphasis on students who are not willing to pay extra. The administrator indicated that state schools suffer from poor funding and poor quality of teachers, and that these two factors are related.

Download

Share

COinS