Asking the students for their feedback is a good idea. I also try to remember to include them in the lesson planning process. I will ask them for their opinions on how much of any one content they would be interested in covering. It gives them some measure of control over the learning process.
Feedback evaluations give us a chance to see what the students have helped them the most. I do find that this imput is invaluable to planning for the next class.
Hi Linda,
Good suggestions about how you conduct your classes and how you get students involved in the learning process.
The feedback evaluations can be of great help in making courses better each time they are taught.
Thanks for sharing.
Gary
In our school we focus on getting to know the students on the first day of class. In addition to introducting them to the material that we will be covering, and the way the class is structured, I find it helpful to share my background with the students. I then ask them to give the class any information that they want to share about themselves and what they are hoping to get out of my class.
I encourage the students to ask questions as I lecture when they have not understood the material
covered. It is important that they feel comfortable enough with the instructor that they will ask questions and seek the help of the instructor when they do not understand the material covered.
We use two evaluations during each class. The first is a mid-term evaluation where we do a one-on-one conference with each student. During this time we cover how the student feels about the class. This includes material covered, presentations by the instructor, problems at school or at home that may be influencing their performance in class.
The second part of the mid-term evaluation focuses on the teachers evaluation of the students performance in the class. If they are behind making suggestions that will help them catch up. Most of all letting them know that we are available to help them at any time.
At the end of the semenster, we give the students a chance to evaluate the class and asking for constructive criticism for improving the class.
Hi Shanel,
By seeking input from your students you will be able to resolve emerging issues and make modifications as needed to keep the course moving forward.
You made a number of very good points about communication needs for both the instructor and students.
Gary
There should always be an open line of communication. You should begin the class by getting to know the experiences of your students. This will help to determine some retention strategies. It is also important to do an end of the course survey. This can be another way to use certain strategies in your future courses.
Hi Nancy,
Exactly! Well stated.
Gary
BINGO! Our students want the same kind of things that we have going on in our lives: some recognition, some appreciation, some friends or social contants, and some value for our efforts.
We try to call our students if they miss a class or two. That may not work all the time, but at least an instructor can say that we have asked about the missing person. Sometimes that is all that is needed--for someone to show concern.
Hi Dr. Stover,
I like your approach. By keeping feedback coming in from students you can keep on "top" of issues and concerns that students might have.
You can also make course corrections as needed if you have your finger on the pulse of the class.
You make a very key point.
What are some of the ways you address "ligitimate" complaints? Example--through individual discussions, groups feedback. What have you found to be the most effective way of getting this information?
Gary
The one key tool that we use on a continual basis is the "student questionnaire." Having the students complete these and administration review the remarks, a plan can be established for any "legitimate" complaints to be corrected. We ensure that the actions are performed in the most expeditious manner, so that the students can witness the school's commitment to their comfort and educational success.
The instructors should consistently observe, listen, and try to understand each student. Moreover, they should combine different types of teaching skills to find an unique way to instruct the class and continuously help them with their difficulties.
Hi Barbara,
Spoken like a dedicated educator. I appreciate your perspective and comments. I am sure that your students enjoy coming to your class and learning from your experience and delivery.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
Instructors become aware of effective strategies for use in class by keeping a constant line of communication open with the students. Students offer diverse opinions on what works and what doesn't. Personally, I see must more involvement on the part of the students (even those who are a little shy) during practical application and hands-on projects.
Students are surprised at how much they really do know about a certain course; it also opens the eyes of both students and instructor when they are not as competent as they should be with a project. There, we, as instructors, can adjust our instructional methods to maintain interest of students, participation and attendance. If something becomes boring, retention becomes a major concern to all.
Hi Michael,
Good approach. I use a career passport as well. I have my students develop an e-version of it so it is easy to store and add to. They print out hardcopy whenever it is needed like when they are sharing their experiences with employers.
Senioritis can also result from fear. Many students feel confident with their training and skills up until they get to the final training phase and then they start to develop doubt. It is at this point they need encouragement to assess the skills they have developed and to realize that they are in fact ready to go out into the field.
Gary
I have observed that some students, especially seniors, drop or fail because they do not feel they have learned anything. Even though they attend class and have good rapport with the instructor. They review grades and have good grades etc. Yet they for some reason, especially in the last few courses they begin to doubt themselves and what they really know or have learned. Senioritis is one colloquialism
used for this phenomenon. In order to combat this we have used a career passport. This booklet is filled out at various stages in the course but the best feature is the end of course survey where the student checks all of the course objectives they have achieved as stated on the first day and in the syllabus and documented in the booklet daily throughout the course. This is reviewed by the student and instructor in the last week of the course and they both initial it.
Hi Nancy,
I would suggest that you might also want to use a learning styles and/or multiple intelligence assessment to help you in learning how your students want to learn. A helpful website is www.micubed.com. This website has an assessment called Talent Key that you might find informative.
Knowing this information will help you develop lectures, and activities that will be of benefit to all of your students as you plan.
Gary
By talking with student you become aware of the needs they need in training. At this point you will be able to see if the student is more visual or hands on in the learning process and you try to give as much in that area as you can while helping them learn both ways.
Hi John,
You make a good point about the need for continued professional development. We can only do what we know and as you mentioned if we as instructors are using poor or ineffective methods we will not be successful.
By looking for successful role models to follow and attending inservice sessions we can continue to grow in our abilities and competence.
Many colleges have opportunties for their instructors to get together and share teaching strategies. I think this is a great way for instructors to learn ways of encouraging and retaining their students. There is no reason for each instructor to have to create their own method of reataining students. Through sharing they can learn what others are doing and then develop their own successful system.
Good luck with your efforts.
Gary
One of the key elememts to successfully implement Retention Strategies is consistent Training. Without having Faculty Development Strategies in place, some Instructors will utilize personal methods. If their methods are effective, great, if not, improvement may be hindered. I also believe that sharing effective strategies is an extremely beneficial technique for Retention awareness. Please give feedback...Thank you, John
Hi Gordon,
Good idea. This way you can make changes that are needed to keep the class going in the right direction.
Another thing you might find helpful is to give students 3 by 5 cards and have them write comments on them at various times throughout the course. I use them after assignments and projects for example. I learn from the students how effective these activities have been. Since they don't put their names on them the can freely express themselves. I have been doing this for many years and have never received anything but helpful responses. I have found that the students don't gripe they respond in a way that is helpful.
The key is to keep receiving feedback from your students in such a manner that you have improve the course each time you teach.
Gary
