As I'm learning in some of the later modules, Becoming aware of why the students are enrolled in the class can help one be aware of retention strategies. Another way to become aware of these strategies is to reveiw how people learn, tactile, verbal, etc...and try to be as dynamic as possible with your delivery of information.
Well, we can solicit best practices from our peers who have found success retaining students in their class(es). Doing research into why students are not engaged in class could be a starting point of developing stategies to keep students actively engaged in the academic process.
Hi Kimberly,
Great way to get feedback on the progress of the course without causing any undue stress on the part of the students. They can be candid about how they see the course unfolding from their perspective. The discussion components helps as well because they know you are taking their input seriously.
Gary
I have been given my class a quick assignment to jot down what they enjoy about the class, one thing they would change and what they learned and what they need more help on. I found that this really helped me learn more students more. they did not include their name and we dicuss this as a class. i felt that this was a great was to start a discussion since they never seem to want to participate. Since then, i feel that I have a better relationship with the students who were there that day.
To increase student retention in class, the instructor should know the needs of the class. It is important to let your students know you respect them and you are there to help them succeed.
keep close attention to the students. And discuss with them
Hi Charles,
A great example of how you can reach students through personal attention and conversation. Your follow up on the course content and the determination of whether they have "got" it or not is a great way to establish rapport with the students as well. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Because much of the course work is hands-on, I find that I talk frequently with my students. If I pay attention, I discover points they may have missed during lecture-demonstration presentations as well as items of personal interest to them. Using this opportunity to redirect their attention, while I have their attention, I have been able to provide a great deal of personalized instruction. I am convinced that this is one of the most productive means available to me to retain students.
It all starts with the opening of the first class. Greet all your students. Find out what their interests and concerns are and create a plan to ease their concerns, spark and keep their interest and above all teach and show them that they can and will succeed in your class and ultimately in their chosen careers.
An instructor can become aware of how effective a retention strategy may be by simply seeing how engaged the student is in the learning process and in class. Is the student present in class? Physically and mentally. Is the student engaged and actively participating in the classroom? These student behaviors will give you an idea if they are engaged in class and learning.
Hi Ernest,
I am humbled by your kind words. As a educator I try to have a positive influence and impact on all those in whom I come in contact. One of those ways is through the sharing of ideas and strategies on how all of us can do a better job of teaching. I have learned much from the forums and exchanges over the past few weeks. Thank you for your input.
Gary
I've been reviewing the various threads and want to commend Dr. Gary for taking time to give thoughtful and courteous feedback to so many of us who have made contributions. Dr. Meers, thanks and kudos for your kind and insightful comments.
Hi Earl,
Great to hear the kind words about the course. We all like to be recognized and having some one know our name is one of those methods. The harder we work at recognizing students and making the feel a part of the class the easier our job will be during the instructional process.
Gary
Hi Leonard,
To keep a student like the one you described involved in the course you might want to ask him/her to help you with certain instructional activities. You could put together learning groups and have this student lead them. Any type of arrangement where the student can use his/her skills and knowledge in an applied way to the benefit of the class while gaining some recognition for the contributions that are being made.
Gary
Hi Caroline,
By knowing the learning preferences of students one can plan accordingly for how the content will be shared in an effective and efficient manner. This approach will enhance the retention factor for the students.
Gary
They can become aware by learning through courses such as this one. I have learned that my students seem more interested and will put forth more effort if I take the time to get to know their names and a little about them. This course has helped reinforce that idea.
Engage with the students and the students engage with you. Personalize projects and and keep in mind the goals of the individual students. Having an open line of communication is the most important and fundamental link in the chain. These are few of the ways that I have found that allow for student success.
Now a question, I have a range of students in class, some very young and right out high school and some non-traditional looking to re-train for job, and then I have students in industry looking for professional development. I have one student in particular that is in industry, and is becoming bored with the material. How do I keep this student knitted in with group while still providing a stimulating education for them?
One method that I believe is useful is to find out about the way students study at the beginning of the course. Based on this an instructor can help each individual develop study techniques that will help them approach their assignments with more confidence and success.
Students should also be given the opportunity to express their concerns and fears. This helps to alleviate their anxiety and builds rapport with their instructor.
After I have learned a bit about the students, one of the first major exercises I do is a group design meeting with white boards, about 3 trees worth of notes, and an environment condusive to creative game development. By running the meeting, and asking input from everyone (individually if I have to), I start to get a sense of their personality and how they learn and think, thus helping me get a better handle on how best to approach them in the future.
Read professional education journals.
Ask experienced instructors.
Become familiar with college retention policies.
Ask students their opinions.
Become aware of reasons for withdrawing.
Become familiar of developmental issues associated with returning students.
