Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Patrice-- Providing students with instructor contact information prior to the course start is an excellent idea. Great job! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Claudia-- I like your 'success if a journey' analogy in the classroom. It let's students know that they have multiple opportunities to demonstrate they have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. We all need to remember that when things don't go our way! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Dave-- It certainly sounds like your institution is taking a proactive stance on retention. Kudos! Are your student ambassadors also mentors? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Bonnie-- Excellent team building exercise! Sounds like it builds a great deal of community in their teams as well as with the rest of the class. Excellent! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Patricia-- These are all excellent questions and helpful information. One tactic I really like that was posted in this class is an institution that has students write this information down along with their motivation for attending college. They have them read what they wrote several times during their attendance to remind them of why they enrolled. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Tyson-- You are correct. Classmates helping with retention can also work in reverse--they can talk each other in to dropping out or staying. Connecting students in as many ways as possible is key including, as you point out, participation in organizations. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Richard-- I like the idea of students building support groups among themselves. This is a great additional support network and they often help to retain each other. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Patricia-- Sharing your personal story is a great way to let students know that you are human and they are not alone in their struggles. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Susan-- Excellent! There is something special about allowing students to get up and move around that reduces the 'jitters' as you point out. Do you have specific activities that are effective? Susan B

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Tyson-- Many admissions departments do have prospective students complete some sort of questionnaire at the first visit. If not, we should certainly be collecting this information as they progress through the admissions process. As you point out, it is extremely helpful. Susan