Retenetion
Students retention is important becauses it allows proof that the instructor can hold class size
ROBERT,
You are offering instructional variety, support and human engagement. This are the principles upon which student retention is built. I have been researching student retention and engagement for a number of years and I can tell you that your list is what it takes to keep the majority of students in school. Keep up the good work!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While I hate being judged on retention I do realize its importance to the success of any program. To improve the retention rate of the classes I teach I try to 1- Make the course challenging. I think some instructors feel that the first priory of a course is that it has to be fun. Having worked with adult students for the past ten years I have observed that the more challenging the course is the more that the student thinks they have learned the more positive they feel about the experience. 2 – I try to keep the class moving. I try not to overwhelm the students but I do plan every day down to the wire. The less down time the time that the students are not doing productive work the more the students seem to enjoy the class. I think students hate to feel that you have wasted their time. 3- I always teach to multiple intelligences. . Every lesson reaches out to all students in various ways the more ways that I can present the material the greater the retention of the information the more successful the student will be. Students become more successful in the class and this leads to a greater retention rate.
IDA,
Relevancy and application are two major elements of student success. You are right about them needing to apply what they have just been taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe retention is shown by students being able to put into practice what they have been taught in theory
Kaitlin,
I agree about the retention factor being so important. The more students are engaged the more value they associate with the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel retention rate not only shows an instructor can hold a class, but also make it fun and engaging for their students. I look at education as an opportunity to learn and grow but also have some fun. Majority of my closest friedns were met in a classroom type setting
David,
You make a key point that I can understand. My college recently increased all of my classes from an enrollment of 35 to double at 70. The reason being the cost is the same whether teaching 35 students or 70 students. The problem is the rules of retention remain the same just as you mention. Also, these courses are upper level and require intensive one on one planning for student projects. It is something I have to live with but it sure is not to the benefit of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my world of teaching retention is measured by creating a great learning experience for students. This of course includes engaging students. I'm currently teaching a class of 20 in the kitchen. It is so much harder to touch each student and give them enough attention as having a class of 12. The sad part about this is we as teachers are measured upon our retention rate, but can not control class size.
James,
Barring some major life impacting event for a student retention is based upon the connection that student has with his or her instructor. Your point is a good one because we instructors spend more time with students than any other school official. We are the link to keeping them in school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sorry I dissagree retention is much more than a means of guaging how an instructor can hold a class size. Big or small classes are the same with retention (of course take for consideration tools needed for education and the proper amount is used for current class size)
Retention is based on reaching out and connecting with your students "engage your students and you will never worry about retention"
Francine,
Right you are plus it also shows that as an instructor you are engaging the students in the learning process and they value what you are teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
