Hi Courtney,
This is a very good point concerning the contributions that all students can make to a class. By asking them for their input you are also showing them how they can fit into the class and feel comfortable as included students.
Gary
This is a great way to validate students and to make them feel that they are not only contributing to the class, but that they are valued. I think this also helps them retain what they are learning because you are tying the information to past experience with which they are already comfortable.
In speaking of Non-traditional Students, their experience can truly a great asset for the class. I typically make a point, may not be a good idea, but seems to work, to ask the "non-traditional" students for their input on their experience in the field of study purely because I certainly have not experienced everything. Not to mention, they may have experienced something from the "customer" side of our field that is a great asset to hear, understand and share. It seems to open up some of the other doors so that the traditional students may interact with the nontraditional student more freely.
Hi Salma,
Cohort groups are a very effective in retention as you mentioned. These student groups start to pull together and when one of their members starts to fall behind they reach back and help pull that person up with them.
The professional societies are a great way to get students invested in their learning and recognized for their achievements. These memberships also look very good on the resume when applying for a job.
Gary
Our goal for students at my college is to visualize and bring to focus why they enrolled
and make sure they are seeking skills training
to prepare them to start their career.
The need to belong and be accepted is an important factor in retention. This social
interaction among students is fostered through
campus organizations like the Honor Society,
The Medical Society and the Business Society.
As a group begins its program of study students are usually scheduled for some of the same
classes at the same time, creating "buddy systems" which in most cases creates a tight-knit
group throughout their program. The social factor is difficult to control but can be very
effective in retention of students.
There is an old adage that says (people are more likely to listen to you when they know that you "care" about them). Once an instructor shows care and concern for a student's education and well-being the student will feel "accepted" and will be more motivated to achieve success in the classroom.
Dwight
Hi Debbie,
Right you are about acceptance. Students need to know they are welcome in the class and that they will be treated with respect and consistency.
Gary
I think it is estremely important for the student to feel accepted and comfortable in the classroom. They need to know all questions will be addressed respectfully and thoughtfully. When a student feels accepted they are more inclined to contribute to discussions in turn more students follow suit.
IMHO Acceptance is key to whether a student will learn or quit. If accepted, a student will be motivated to perform. If not accepted the motivation quickly drains away and the student will move on to another activity. That is why gangs have so many new applicants. People feel accepted...
Hi Kim,
Feeling accepted and comfortable is so important for getting a class off to a good start. Once students see how they fit in a class and know that they can be successful if they will put forth the effort then learning is ready to begin. You have expressed it well in your forum comments.
Gary
Helping students to feel accepted provides them with a stronger position in the classroom. That, in turn, affords a sense of comfort and security to students so that they can focus on learning and succeeding rather than fitting in or dealing with the fear of social embarrassment. Likewise, a relaxed mind is a more open mind, free to think about and analyze the materials being presented rather than straining to balance between acceptence and learning. Finally, when students feel accepted, they feel welcome, and they are more inclined to participate, which further enhances learning and retention.
These classes (online) often serve students who are not used to the college environment for one reason or the other. They may have struggled in high school, they may have been out of school for a long time, etc. Regardless of the reasons, they will likely enter the college classroom with a sense of fear and discomfort, both of which lead to potential poor performance.
Helping students feel accepted will build their confidence and improve their learning opportunities in the classroom. They will be more likely to participate and expand their exposure to new information. Success breeds success too, so any steps in the right direction will help.
Kurt
Hi Charles,
Good point. By nature humans are social creatures so they need to feel accepted into the "herd" if you will. By feeling accepted and comfortable in the class they will be ready to start the learning process. We instructors need to work hard at creating such a feeling from the very first day of the course.
Gary
I think that acceptance in class and life is essential to comfort. Once people are comfortable in the class they can better learn and share their experiences.
If a student does not feel accepted, they will be far less likely to participate actively in the class. The perception of not "fitting in" creates a hostile leearning environment where the student does not want to be and will not be able to concentrate on the objectives of the class. When a student feels that they belong, they feel more comfortable taking risks and can more easily learn from their mistakes and their classmates without all of the "drama" that has nothing to do with the class itself.
If students feel accepted they are more likely to come to class and participate in the discussions and skill practices. This leads to better understanding and greater confidence in the subject matter. If a student feels like they will be ridiculed for not knowing something, they will find more and more reasons to be late or not attend the class at all.
It is important for students to feel accepted to help them reach their goals,overcome their mistakes and exchange their experiences.
By feeling accepted in their class, they feel they are part of the group, by being part of the group, they're going become participants in their classes and projects. This will lead them to enjoy their learning experience in school and become successful in their careers.
My classes have a total of 12 students. This is a small class size; which I think sometimes makes the students feel even more pressured to be accepted. There isn't anywhere to hide! In order for them to be successful in their chosen profession they must be comfortable that they have made the right decision and feel like they are part of the "team". That's what work is too...teamwork!
Hi David,
You are right on with your perception of why students need to feel accepted into the class. If they don't have such a feeling they are going to look for reasons why they should drop out of the class. If they feel a part of the class and accepted by the instructor and classmates they are going to work harder and most probably not drop out.
Gary
