i think talking with other aboput what has/hasnt worked in the past is one of the best tools we can use.
As a Humanities Instructor (Composition and Literature), I have to search for ready support on strategies. I have trouble finding material, for example, that applies "lecture and demo" modules to my fields.
I am committed to continuing education and research, but there is a big need for academic journals on teaching in Humanities in career education environments.
In order to become aware of effective retention strategies, instructors must first become good observers. That is to say, we must understand our audience and then learn to cater to their individual needs by touching base with each student daily, so that we are able to refocus student attention and encouirage them when we sence they are straying from the subject matter.
That is we must constantly ask questions of our students in order to draw them into the learning environment. This will enable us to tell whether a studnet is focused on the here and now or is distracted.
To stay current on retention strategies for students the instruction should be familiar with the student handbook, this helps when having to answer non-class related questions. Going back to quick feedback and showing that you care about the entire student not just the one in your class, the teacher can troubleshoot faster if he or she knows the schools contact personnel for the student.
It is also important to stay informed of buzz going on with students. I always like to know what other classes my students are in, what type of work they complete in those classes and rough timeline of when projects and quizzes are due. This helps me plan my schedule so students do not have big projects due in a number of classes in the same timeframe or tests around the say time.
Keeping rigor in the class is a must but I also try to be flexible with the students to also help teach them troubleshooting skills. As professionals we have to put out fires everyday at work. This can be a tough skills to teach but if you model it for your students and incorporate it into class it helps them develop their own set of troubleshooting skills.
Developing rapport is quite important in retention strategies. This rapport can be reflected in the student evaluations which are often connected to retention reports. As an online instructor I pay great attention to the positive and negative comments made about the class, me as the instructor or the assignments. These comments help me to plan for the next section of students and to improve the learning environment by implementing changes. Students are constantly trying to tell us what works for them. If we listen closely and are open to the feedback, the educational experience can be more productive and enjoyable for both sides!
Melissa
Talk to your students in a roundtable discussion by discussing their needs.
Hi Warren,
Well said. Simple but so important. Respect is a two way street that has to be traveled in order to be earned. Both instructors and students need to work on developing respect for each other and this is when the Golden Rule will observed the most.
Gary
Hi Dan,
A good way to start the class while the students are getting settled in. It takes a bit before the students are ready to concentrate and this is a way of helping them do that.
Gary
Great idea! Feedback is so important for instructors. We need to know what's working and what isn't. Anonymity is a key component to ensure we are getting the truth.
There are many studies available regarding this topic. Most institutions have a clear idea of what it takes to keep students moving through their program. Instructors should avail themselves of this information. It is also very important to recognize the simplicity of it all. Adult learners want to be heard, understood, respected, challenged and led well in their classes. This isn't rocket science--somewhat of a Golden Rule scenario.
I always try to keep the atmospher in the classroom fun by cracking up some jokes, related to the subject we are learning that day. reference to professional experience always keeps students focus on what they need to learn to succeed in the industry and creates respect from student that looks up to their instructors as professional that have succeed in the industry.
I have found over the years that one of the best sources for effective retention strategies is other successful instructors. By discussing their methods/approaches in the classroom and what worked I gain insight into what to attempt in my class. This is particularly helpful if the instructor has previously had a student with possible retention issues who now is in my class. I also am always curious about what didn't work and if we can figure out why.
Hi Shannon,
You make a number of very good points about how to retain students. I like your point about being approachable and supportive but not coddling them. They are adults being trained to enter their chosen career area so they have to have the maturity it takes to be successful in that field.
Gary
Students have a need of belonging; at home, at work, with friends and also at school. We need to make sure that our students feel as an important part of our course. They need to feel present, that his / her contributions are welcome and wanted. Students need to see the course topic as an enriching experience that is going to help achieve his / her personal and career goals. Students need to see and experience why class objectives and activities are important at a personal and professional level.
One strategy is Instructors could look up the information on the internet if they are unsure of what to do. Or, they could ask their Dean for help. But caring for students overall is the biggest factor in retention, in my opinion. Caring doesn't mean you are hand-holding your students. You can still challenge them, while showing them you are supportive of their efforts in your class and that you as an Instructor are here to help guide them and answer any questions they may have. Being approachable is pretty significant.
Hi Kerry,
Just as with real estate, location, location, location being the operating word. Instruction is just as you have laid it out. The process never ends it only helps one to get better each time.
Gary
Hi Mary Rose,
Well said. The students need to have the connection made between the gen ed courses and their career courses. By seeing how the content is relevant they will be able to bridge the gap between general learning and career specific learning.
Gary
Effective "Retention Strategies," like everything in Secondary Ed, require ongoing:
Research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...research...study...implementation...refinement...re-implementation...!
Instructors must search for methods to humanize their courses (apply the "human factor") and relate their course material to the students' career goals. I have people from the progams come in to talk to the first year composition students about the importance of clear communication in their fields. Only when the students relate general education courses such as composition to their career goals will they internalize course objectives, take control of their learning, and become independant, self-motivated learners. These are the students who are retained in school to complete their courses of study. The instructor who is committed to personalizing education and recognizes that "success breeds success" will help students complete their goals.
Hi Todd,
Sometimes it is just a little personal attention that makes a student feel special or that their talent is being recognized and they are good to go.
Gary
