Retention
We have developed an entire program just dealing with student retention utilizing Department Heads and the Campus Director as the key people to deal one-on-one with retention issues. This is a daily process, and is on-going.
Hi Sharion,
I agree with you concerning being able to retain 100% of the students. The goal is always 100% the reality is somewhere less than that but instructors should strive to keep every student if at all possible. This way when a student leaves we can know that we have done all that we can to retain that student.
Gary
I think 100% retention is unrealistic. No matter how hard you try....if a student has a change of career plans it is hard to motivate them.
In my online environment, we have student counselors that work along with the faculty to identify and intervene with student retention. We also submit a weekly at-risk report to student services. I have found this approach very effective.
Hi Dwayne,
Good question and one that is asked by all instructors. The path I follow is to be clear in my expectations, consistent in my actions, and respectful in student approach. Then for the two or three students that mis-connect with the class I know I have done all I can do to help them be successful. I want 100% but I know I can't achieve it every time I teach so I focus on being the best professional educator I can be and I am comfortable with that.
Gary
Retention with adults is always interesting and I agree that administrators may need to be involved but instructors are first line and the human side must be crafted. There is also a realization that although 23 of 25 students may respect the instructor and find success, the two that do not may have pre-conceived ideals about the class and instructor that the instructor may not never know about and cannot break through to ensure every student's success. How does one work to ensure their success also?
Hi Darrell,
You are right about the need for support for students that are on the bubble of leaving school. They need the support to help them see that they have a future in the school and in their chosen career area.
Gary
I have found the on the human side of the student helps tremendously in retaining the student. Many of the students I deal with are a long way from home and are experiencing many new requirements(stress producers)that they have never dealt with before and when they find someone they can disclose these issues to and get some coaching on how to handle these requirements, they stay in school.
