Student retention
I find Student Retention to be a very challenging part of my duties. This course is bringing several new approaches to light. So far, I'm enjoying this module completely.
Ron,
Students need to feel respected and supported. You make a number of good points about how they can be engaged and helped to feel a part of the learning process. The greater their involvement the greater the retention rate is going to be.
Gary
Retention has become one of our most important concerns at this point. I have found out that most of the students, either adult or young students just want to feel they are a part of the "team" or at least want to feel wanted and worthy of learning, and sometimes this takes a great deal of encouragement and patience. The more I see students not interactring, paying attention in classes this usually will result in that student eventually start missing class and in the end leave, if we do not do our part which makes For-Profits different than conventional, which is go after them, reach out and offer a hand, lend an ear or help them in what is making them feel that hay are not a part of the program, this although time consuming on our part, will usually save a great portion of the students leaving.
Student retention is the most concerning problem with adult education because these students elected to continue their education and have invested considerable finiancial resources to return to school. They have a dream they want to achieve; when they fail they loose self esteem. It is critical to speak with the student at the fist sign of problems to see what can be done to assist them. Sometimes the reality is they had a dream but not the realistic ability to achieve the dream.
Sam,
Great to hear. I wish you much continued success as an instructor.
Gary
Student retention in a career college setting is more difficult than in a traditional college setting. Adult learners can be challenging, at times, but can also bring a lot of great information to the classroom. I have found this module to be very informative.
Student retention is always difficult because students have varying reasons for dropping out of school. Some students have already dropped out in their minds and actions without physically leaving the classroom. This is displayed by not turning in assignments or purposely failing exams or not coming to class when exams are given. The best way to handle these situations is to speak with the student and find out what the problem is. If the instructor can be of help or know someone who can, then refer the student, but ultimately the student must make a decision as to whether or not college is really for them at this time. It might be better if they leave and come back later.
