At my institution, there are many rules that the students need to follow, and of course many are unpopular. I always show my caring side to their concerns while explaining the relevancy of the rules! I state during the first day that one of my goals to the students is to be consistent - that means to be fair! I really try to treat all students the same!
The human factor is very important in retention because no one wants to feel like a number. Remembering names, asking students how their day is going, and acknowleging their quesions and feelings will make them feel like an integral part of the classroom. Eye contact also is a great nonverbal way to keep students actively engaged in class.
I teach a lot of adult learners. People in their 40s and 50s, that for different reasons have decided to come back to school.
Just spending a little bit of time with them, learning their motivations and talking about their concerns is enough to establish a connection with them.
Once I explain to them that I am an instructor but also an adult learner, the connection is solid. Once that they get the feeling that they are understood, that the human factor is created and present, the retention rate is really high.
The Human factor is almost everything. If your students feel like you care about them and their futures, they will work twice as hard for you. I have even had students write notes to me on exams asking for my forgiveness at the quality of their exam and effort.
I believe the human factor is probably one of the most important factors when it comes to retention. Instructors should empathize with their students and show their human side once in a while.
Hi Krystal,
Good strategies on how you are integrating the students into the course so they aren't sitting out there feeling lonely.
This is what keeps the students engaged throughout the course.
Gary
The human factor is extremely important when facilitating an online course. I don't have the ability to make eye contact or read body signals. I go above and beyond to ensure that my students know when I'm smiling or laughing in emails. In order to ensure my students know that I'm always there, I respond back to all emails within 24 hours.
An online student already feels as though they are in the course alone. It's my job to make sure they know their participation is valued and their efforts are noticed.
Krystal
The human factor is extremely important and for instructors teaching students in an online environment it can be difficult. When teaching online you cannot control the student's environment they are studying in and you cannot see them to judge body language and other non-verbal communications.
As an online instructor, you have to ask more questions, provide verbal encouragement in the form of e-mails and assignment feedback. Respond to each student individually during discussions and when you see them struggle with getting assignments submitted on time or grades are suffering; then you need to offer assistance and additional instructional support.
I think the Human Factor is so important. Many of our students have challenges that made it difficult to take that first step and enroll in higher education.... those challenges don't go away when they step in the classroom. They should be supported every step of the way.
However, it often is a challenge to keep that line between instructor and counselor.... students who have obstacles often have a difficult time and are looking for help in any way possible.
I find the human factor in retention for students the same as the retention of employees. Treating people (students/employees) fairly and consistenly is important for anyone to feel validated.
I think confident students feel that way but those who are fearful, unsure of their abilty to succeed they see the instructor as an authority figure. They fear that the instructor will not approve of their work especially if they have struggled in school in the past. For those in the classroom they can counter that image in those first minutes in the classroom. Online we have to find other ways of relating to insecure students. Sharing some of our educational background and possibly struggles in our introduction can help.
The human factor is extremely important in student retention. This is of particular importance in online courses, as most of my students have been out of the educational setting and in the workforce for some time. They need continual support and reassurance that they can and will succeed. Making personal connections and giving frequent, positive feedback is key to student retention in these settings. Since I will likely never interact with my students face-to-face, it is also important for me to use first names and personalized comments when I leave grading comments or emails; this helps the students to realize that I care about them as individuals, and that I am taking an interest in their lives as we interact over the course of the quarter.
Hi Jan,
There are excellent strategies for learning more about online students plus helping them to feel a connection between themselves and the instructor. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Gary
When teaching online classes, most of the time all we have is their names, so it takes more effort to find out more about them and make the connections. Reaching out with phone calls so students can at least connect a voice with a name, or creating a welcome video so they can see what you look like is usually helpful. When you have had students in class previously, it's important to acknowledge that you are "glad to have them in class again."
I feel that establishing relationships with students is absolutely critical to retention. Making the effort to get to know students in our classes helps them feel more comfortable, especially for those who did not have good educational experiences in the past. When we can get to the point of students feeling comfortable discussing their past experiences and relating them to the current situation or projecting how they will use what they have learned in their future career, the students will be more successful. Getting them to open up can sometimes be a challenge, but giving each student personal attention and making the effort will eventually help form the connection between the instructor and student and will often extend beyond the time frame of the actual class as a possible mentoring opportunity.
The relaxing factor start always with the mood and behavior of the instructor....how?, get ideas about their names, backgrounds, experiences and skills from the students.
Hi Alice,
This is such an important area of education--providing needed support. The more you can help these students be successful the more rewarding your teaching will be. Think of the legacy you are giving your students.
Gary
Hi Johnny,
Great approach and one that helps students to develop as professionals and individuals. This is a win win for everyone. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Gary
Hi Jan,
Great story. Thanks for sharing it with us. This is what being a human being and supportive instructor is all about. This is a great example of how being flexible can make the difference in the life of a student. Keep up the good work.
Gary
The majority of our population is female and single moms. We have to understand the human factor and that they come to the school with many factors acting upon them to NOT be successful. We have to know that they are human and be aware of our students and try to get to know their good days and their off days. We need them to know that we will be there to listen and maybe (if possible) provide some assistance.
