Mike,
That form of point deduction is a new one to me. Not surprised because I learn something new everyday about being a teacher and what other educators do in our field. Thanks for the good reminder of how we need to approach the classroom.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In my experience, many instructors are so caught up in being a "Professor" that they feel they must be very very strict. i.e. deducting points for turning in an assignment early. (an actual example!) I take the approach that students have passed my class unless they prove otherwise. If a student makes a sincere effort and turns in their work they will pass my class. Success is the primary reason for retention. Failure breeds dropouts.
I give assignments that we do in class. For each student I know is struggling (by grades) I make a point of sitting with them especially, as well as the other students. Then I can see what they're doing wrong and redirect.
Michele,
It is little things like that that keeps students in school. They knowing you understand helps them to want to be successful. Keep up the good job of supporting your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Getting to know the students and have the students regret missing classes rather than come to school just because they had nothing else to do. Making classes interesting is the key.
I have read many of the replies and have discovered some good tips. However, as an adjunct night-time instructor, it is often difficult to find adequate time to "babysit" students and by this, I mean constantly calling them each time they miss class, or repeatedly asking them to turn in assignments and projects. Employers don't give many second chances, so are we setting our students up for failure in their career field if we do so?
It is also difficult to retain students who don't receive the textbooks/materials they need from the school. Back-ordered books often don't arrive until a month into the quarter. This makes it frustrating for the students and difficult for instructors.
There are sometimes "anti-retention factors" that are not within the instructor's control.
When I see a student who has issues at home like child care, I try to encourage the student to get what she can get done at home and come in early next class for extra help.
As a classroom instructor it is of most important to aid in the increase of student retention. I feel that first an instructor must be knowledgeable in the material being taught, be approachable, and make sure there is a level of comfort being shown from the instructor.
Being prepared prior to the class meeting is of high important. Success in the classroom is 50% of the instructor’s responsibility. If a student is given the sign that the instructor is not prepared to teach the material, then why should the student put forth the effort in retaining the material? Not only are we instructors, but we are also mentors to our students. Second, we have to be approachable. It is my experience from feed back from students that some instructors make them feel as though they, instructors, don’t want to be bothered. Sending off this kind of message to a student is a set up for failure. When a student really needs to talk to someone or ask a question and the instructor has already set the tone for not being approachable this becomes a set back for that student. Now if the instructor has made known that he/she is approachable then the classroom should be a comfortable learning environment. An environment that is made comfortable for students to learn, I feel makes for a successful student.
Its helps when you are in a core program class. but things always happens. First of all you have to make the classes where students actually hate to miss the class. You can do this by playing games, mixing things up, being spontanious, and making class time go by fast. The key is make learning fun. We may be serving adults, but many people still learn like kids.
Michelle,
Well said. At least the "horse" has an opportunity to take a drink because it has been provided by you the instructor if they so choose to participate.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use the same approach now. When I first started teaching, I felt like I was harassing students who weren't interested and neglecting those who were. This way though, everyone gets what they want out of the class. After all, you can lead a horse to water...
Ivy Joy,
Good strategy. Individual research by students gives them information they have earned on their own, plus it gives them research tools they will be able to use in their careers.
Gary
This is important to me as an isntructor. I give my students homeworks and research works inorder for them to retain and learn more about the subject.
Craig,
Great to hear of your success with this method. Teaching general ed courses can be a challenge because many students don't see the value of the content or want to be in the course. When you make the content relevant and the students can make application of it then value starts to be realized.
Gary
Most of my students have a hard time in my English class. I have changed my strategy and arranged it so most of the assignments are done in class. I grade them and then offer suggestions for revisions to improve their grade. Once they realize this class is not so scary, many go on to do well.
Diane,
Good way to encourage students so they will remain in the learning process while they are progressing through their programs.
Gary
Being aware there is a retention problem before hand. Call or address when student miss one day. Encourage them to keep going and to realize that in order to pass with understanding and good grade you have to be present, also what was the reason for coming.
To increase retention in my classes, I ingage the students in the whole classroom process. The students understand that I am the instructor but that we are in a partnership and we are working towards a common goal. I found that this works with the students who are sincerely trying to better themselves. For the students who are not so involved, I try to be an example to them and constantly relate the lessons and the class to their personal life. Doing this allows them to relate whats being taught to the things that they see on a daily basis.
Yes, but when does an online student receive to much encouragement? A student wants to be sucessful to improve gain a career and improve their quality of living. However, many are shy, unsure, and lack self-confidance.
When does encouragment turn into the student's life line? She may become so dependent upon the positive feedback from the instructor that she is unable to function in an online enviroment without the knowledge someone is continually watching over her.
Thomas,
Thank you for the kind words about the module content and how this information will be of help to you. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
