Tryal and error method is not the right one in this case.
You as an instructor do not have too many chances to find out if your method is working, or with your way you might loose students frequently /and loose income for your institution/
The best method is to study well proven theories in the educational field and than use them in the classromm or in the lab - interpreting those theories to the special circumstances in your class.
Just studying this course gives you the "aha" experience, meaning that the course help to realize my past mistakes.
Hi Joshula,
That is the reason I have found the 3x5 card evaluation system so helpful. I can use it anytime rather than the end of the course evaluation that is a snapshot of time. Our college requires the end of the course evaluations as well but they are not accurate in giving information that will be of benefit to me as I plan for my course the next phase.
Gary
Hi Joshula,
The development of rapport with students is another critical strategy. They see that you care about their success on an individual basis so they work harder to live up to both their and your expectations.
Creating learning groups to work on special projects is another strategy that is effective. The students develop an identity with the group and they want to remain in school so the group can be successful.
Gary
Hi Gary,
I like the idea of 3X5 cards and done for activities/assignment evaluation. Done periodally I should think would be very helpful, for both teacher and student. Evaluations done at the end of the year mean students are looking at the grade their getting so their judgement may be influenced. I would use candy or a game incentive with the 3X5 method.
The reason I like this method is because it gives a right then method of evaluation and enough time to make changes.
Joshula
This is an interesting question, other than having an involved classroom, what are the retention strategies that can be used in the classroom?
Joshula
Hi Rick,
Good example of how to engage or reengage a student in the learning process. Sometimes the additional attention and special projects are just enough nudge to get the back into the class mentally.
Gary
I have had some success doing this same thing. When a student seems to comprehend the material but does not display interest in it or does not participate well in class and I suspect boredome. I may assign additional material or give that student a "Special Project". Many times this re-engages them and as you stated the student "jumps in and does an outstanding job."
Hi David,
Good ideas about how to learn more methods of encouraging student retention. What methods of student retention have you found to be most effective for you?
Gary
One way is to chat with other instructors, to see what their methods are in achieving good attendance. Another good way to recognize possible future hazards is to actually talk with the students and create a great learning environment. If students are having issues at home or on the job, try to facilitate in ensuring they can make it to class in a timely fashion.
Always check with the Department Chair or Admin to find new ways in helping with retention.
mostly by watching how a student is acting in class. Does the student get involved with the groups or does he/she back away from things, are they asking questions, are they being distracted easly.
Listen to students conversations prior to class starts. What you learn from their conversations can be instrumental in guiding your opening remarks to create interest in the subject matter.
Retention starts by letting students know that they play a vital role in the classroom and the lab. Their success not only will help themselves but other students.
Hi John,
All the ways you mentioned in your forum response are parts of a total professional development program. We, as instructors need to always be on the lookout for ways to gain new insight on how to be better instructors plus stay current in our fields. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Applying effective methods for obtaining feedback from students would help an instructor become aware of possible retention problems or successes. Continued education programs for instructors such as this one is also an excellent way. Utilization of fellow instructors and or team members is another way.
Hi Douglas,
The method you describe of meeting and greeting the students each time they enter the class is a good way to keep your finger on the pulse of the class. This will enable you to make changes as they are needed rather than having to react to serious issues that have emerged over a period of time.
Gary
I beleiev by greeting the students each time they enter the classroom or lab you can certainly see thru body language and eye placement where the train of thought may be. With this we can detect early challenges and thru a simple hello we can open the communication dorr to get them talking. as we have learned when students know someone cares enough to ask about them they will share info otherwise that would have been bottled up. To help keep them in the learning state of mind first we need to make sure it is clear and ready for info.
Hi Misty,
Good feedback will result in better instruction if we listen to our students. Each time we teach a course we can become better in all the components through their feedback. We should never fear it but grow from it.
Gary
I personally have learned by asking other instructors how they handle retention issues.
Comunicating with my peers allows me to obtain
many different veiw points and ideas.
I take the end of the quarter student surveys seriously. I look for clues in the student answers as to what they enjoyed about the class. I also like to ask them if they were the instructor, what would they have done differently in the class? Sometimes as instructors, we're afraid of receiving feedback on our methods, for fear it will not be positive. But getting the feedback from the students helps me to know what to alter for the next class so that students will be more engaged.
