I fully agree that repetition helps. I have taught high school and adult students and found this to be true. If they hear it over and over (but not ad nauseam) to will "stick".
I have also found it helpful to literally say, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT....and it helps for them to focus and make a note it.
Often times, students can be nervous about being in class and will want to "blend in". They may not want to participate because they are worried that they may have the wrong answer. By acknowledging students and letting them know, that you know who they are, will help them to be "present" in class. I often times have students say, "you remember my name?" I think it helps to hold them accountable and make them more present in their education.
Hi Carol,
Thank you for this example of how our students need to be treated so they will retain the needed content, develop the required skills and keep returning to class. Being a valued student is very important for the class management as well.
Gary
Just as it mentioned in this section. It is much like retaining customers to a business. It's about personal recognition, value, feeling a part of the process. e.g. You go to your favorite neighborhood restaurant, you are greeted by name; the owner asks how you are doing; what's new, or how are your kids etc; he acts genuinly happy that you are there; thanks you for coming in; maybe brings a free dessert, or treat! You have a great meal, somewhere that you enjoy, you don't mind parting with your hard earned cash, and feel valued as a person and a customer. This senario can relate to the classroom as well!
Well one way are approaching retintion is to call student daily when class is missed and keep them up to date on missed assignments. This allows the student to feel as if someone is concerned about them making it.
The information provided in this section was very helpful. Student retention can be obtained by keeping your students intered. Letting the student help in the process of learning. I was always told teaching someone a skill is the best way to learn it yourself. Students love this, and it makes them feel special. Take a student that has already learned a skill ask them to demontrate to a few students, allow the other students to offer constructive critasism, and praise. This helps the student learn, retain and apply the information.
Hi Julie,
Good strategies. Thanks for sharing them with us. I really like the comparison between instructional delivery and the reading of "The Three Little Pigs". It is very true that we need to reflect that kind of excitement when teaching.
Gary
I would like to think that there are a myriad of ways one can work to increase student retention yet I will only list a few. First, the instructor must demonstrate, by word and deed, a commitment to the class and the students individually. This commitment includes not only showing up, but being prepared and AVAILABLE. Second, you have to be enthusiastic. Think of how one reads "The Three Little Pigs" to a child. We change our voices, tone, give drama and huff and puff. We want the child to enjoy the story and learn to enjoy reading. Monotone, lack of flair, and few props lead to disinterest. Last, acknowledge the student outside of class. Nothing is worse than passing one in the hall and not being greeted. This equates to one feeling as if they are not valued. Make sure the student is acknowledged and valued.
Repetition of information - the information is transferred from short term memory into the long term memory. So I repeat information (not ad nauseam mind you!) and the textbook too repeats. There are legal concepts that pop up in many different venues - this helps - there is a constant ongoing repetition of words, concepts, phrases - so that the information becomes second nature and the student in the "real world" is able to converse with other professionals fairly confidently first time out.
Instructors can increase student retention by giving the students personal attention. Calling students who are absent lets them know that you care about them. Offering tutoring for students who are struggling can also help retain students.
By paying attention to each student as an individual and knowing enough about the challenges that each individual student faces. For example, if a student has just recently started a new career-changing job in the industry of choice, then my comments to that student will be different that the comments that I make to a student who has been working in the field for a number of years and is returning to school for more education.
Hi Laura,
I can see this being beneficial as well if there is a time when it is necessary to sort of "get on a student's case".
Some of the best advice I've been given from more experienced instructors is that in order to be successful in giving constructive criticism to students it's really necessary to build and maintain a positive relationship with them first. Otherwise the student may just disregard the information.
Liz
I think that the instructor can help the student to retain the information by going over the material clear and have a set day that they can review the assignments prior to testing.
Because I teach online courses, I think it's especially important to stay connected to students so they know I am constantly available to them if they have questions about their progress in the course. That means replying to student emails as soon as I receive them and reaching out to students who appear to be disengaging from the course. I'm also flexible if students have life issues that might make them consider withdrawing from the course.
Hi Sara,
Right you are. Respect and value are two very important parts of learning culture. Students will work hard even on subjects that they see as being less important to them in their career development if they know they are respected and that they are valued as students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I believe one way for instructor to increase retention is to not only bring enthusiasm for teaching and the program to the students, but also by being fair and consistent in their teaching, feedback and grading. Even if a student doesn't fully enjoy the topic of the course or discussion, they will come back if they feel valued and respected.
I tell my students that we are partners. I am here to help you achieve your goals. If you want to get an A in the class let's work together to get that A. If want a C, that's OK, let's work together to get that C. If you want don't care -- don't bother me, I'll work with the students who do care about their success. This put's the responsibility of their success on them.
Provide quality instruction, begin and quit classes on time, listen to student complaints and concerts and act professionally, study and understand the needs/expectations of students from different age groups.
By treating the student as an individual as opposed to a number. By paying attention to their specific needs and goals. By being honest, fair and supportive in shaping their education.
The way an instructor comes across to his students on the first day is very important. I have the student tell me a little about themself. I get as much information from them as possible and I know this about the student. I also ask questions about what they like to do in free time.I also work very hard to use this to help with retension.
