Using the Kolbe Conative Index

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Using the Kolbe Conative Index for Improving
Retention of Computer Science Students

• Robert Lingard
• Elizabeth Berry
• Brenda Timmerman
• California State University, Northridge

2
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

3
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.

4
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)

5
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

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The Kolbe Instinctive Talents

• Fact Finder
• Follow Thru
• Quick Start
• Implementor

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The Fact Finder

• Probes
• Asks Questions
• Weighs Pros and Cons
• Collects Data and Establishes Priorities before
  Making a Decision

8
The Follow Thru Individual

• Seeks Structure
• Makes Schedules
• Needs a Sense of Order and Plans Ahead

9
The Quick Start

• Innovates
• Takes Risks
• Improvises
• Plays Hunches
• When Asked to Give a Presentation, Comfortably Ad
  Libs

10
The Implementor

• Uses Space and Materials
• Builds and Constructs
• Uses Hands-on Equipment with Ease
• Creates Handcrafted Models
• Insists on Quality Materials

11
Sample Kolbe Results
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Team Synergy as Defined by Kolbe


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Synergistic Teams Perform Better
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Kolbe Profile of Upper Division Computer Science
Students
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Kolbe Profile of Marketing Managers
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Kolbe Profile ComparisonsCS Students vs.
Marketing Managers
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Kolbe Profile ComparisonsUpper Division vs.
Freshmen
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Kolbe Profile ComparisonsUpper Division vs.
Faculty