Daniel,
I agree. That human connection helps to "seal the deal" in terms of student comfort and retention. A point everyone needs to remember as they start a new course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I honestly believe that this flows directly back to the human factor. I am the very first instructor who students see on campus. When I am warm, welcoming, nurturing, helpful, kind, firm, clear, and honest with my students, I beleive that the fear factor lessens and they feel more confident about what they are getting themselves into. Beyond that, the human factor comes into play with classmates as well. When students are feeling confident about signing up for one of our programs, and then they begin to bond with classmates and create friendships, I believe that retention increases dramatically.
Guerda,
I agree plus it makes teaching a lot easier as well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When instructors make learning fun and interesting -student have something to come back for.
John,
The personal connection with a student is important. When you have respect and rapport with a student you are in a position to help them see the value of working hard in the course and making progress toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The instructor can increase student retention by offering to help the students outside of class by setting office time for tutoring, and making his e-mail available to the students if they have questions.
Calling each student by name helps the student realize he/she is important to the instructor and to the college.
Incorporate different learning materials into the class room. Allow the student to get a clear understanding of the material being taught. Treat them with respect.
Curtis,
They do become more involved in the learning process when they know someone cares about them and their success. We are not only models for them but also cheerleaders at times.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
i believe that our students are more likely to stay in school if they know that we care that they are here . if they believe you are concerned about their success they are more involved in their education !
Vance,
Yes, they are and this is why we instructors need to be reminded every so often about the importance of them. By keeping them in mind our instructional delivery will be more targeted.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that being passionate about one's subject and intensely interested in each student keeps students coming back. It is also important to allow opportunities for them to share what is going on outside of class. These issues are the one's that are often overlooked as reasons for student failure.
Create a passionate and exciting environment for learning the topic or subject matter addressed. If the instructor shows enthusiasm in what they teach the students seem to retain more.
I think that your attitude towards the students and the class plays an important role in their wanting to be there. We all have days that impact the way you feel or think. By always showing a positive attitude, I think that will rub off on the students and encourage them to make school a strong priority.
Encouraging and reassuring students that you care. Also assisting with tutoring and study skills.
Amer,
Yes it does. Follow up of this kind shows students that you care about them and their success. The more connection we make with them the more they will strive to be successful in our classes.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe that student retention increases when the instructor shows that he/she cares about the well being of their student. When a student is a absent, a quick follow up e-mail to check in with him/her and update them on what they missed will demonstrate to the student that the instructor is going above and beyond to help them in achieving their goals and success. This will in turn have a positive effect on the student and increase their performance drive in class.
Allen,
Thank you for sharing this example of how you provided support to a student to keep her in school. She had every reason to walk away and many would have. You showed her that you were there for her as an instructor and advocate for her success. This kept her in the program and moving toward her career goals. Great job!
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructors can provide an ideal environment where the students strive to be successful. In reality all of this is in vain when their transportation fails, the student gives birth to a baby, or a family member is gravely ill. I understand the objectives of student retention, and I strive to welcome each student into my classroom each day. One student had her car break down and is now without transportation, she then goes home after class and finds that her apartment has been broken into and her laptop, books, and other valuables are gone. I assured her that I will help her to complete my class successfully. I will personally let her use my textbook to complete her work, and her mother is alowing her to use her car. A great instructor will break their back bending backwards to help a student.
Keeping your students engaged and interested in the subject that you are teaching. If they like what they are doing and find interest in what they are learning they are more likely to come to class. I try to keep things interesting and unperdictable I do something different everyday at the start of class. This keeps them on thier toes and engaged making them want to come to class to see what I have up my sleeve ;)
Thank you very much. I have been trying to obtain as many new ideas to help with student retention as possible.
