Hi Theresa,
We are authority figures and we need to be supportive when we can. Our approval can be a powerful motivator for students that may be on the verge of leaving school.
Gary
It is very important. Some times for career college our students are first generation college students and we must understand that life happens. Some of our students didn't do so well in high school or have obtained thier GED.
As instructors we could be the first person in these students lives to tell them that they can do something worth while or that we believe in them. This believing in the student can be simply listening to them or telling them that we will see them at graduation.
If you herd cattle then you are a rancher, if you teach then you are a teacher. Treat your student like individuals, learn from whom they are and you will be a teacher not a cattle herder......
Belonging is a basic need for every individual. When we treat each student as a mature individual about whom we are truly concerned, the ice will be more quickly broken and students will feel that they are a productive and accepted member of the group. The more each student has a sense of belonging, the less apt they will be to leave the class.
Hi Charisma,
This is where your skills at customizing your instructional approach becomes so important. As a result you can zero in on your current student population and keep them engaged.
Gary
I have noticed that many of my students are either fresh to higher education or have been away for several years. It is very important to not just lump everyone into the same group. I try to get to know each student's strengths and encourage that area for them so that they stay motivated to continue even when it gets rough for them.
Hi Krystal,
Good point. The human factor is an ongoing way of retaining students and helping them move toward the career goals they have. It is also one of the greatest rewards of teaching. Seeing their growth just as you mention.
Gary
The human factor is probably one of the most important when it comes to student retention. Although the students have enrolled for the education, they rely on feeling wanted and supported in the course. It’s unfortunate but many students will feel as if they are being left out or discriminated against if they don’t feel they are getting enough personal interaction from the instructor. This alone will make them consider dropping the course in hopes of finding a more caring instructor. Whether their feelings are correct or not, that’s their impression of the situation and it can impact their performance.
The human factor isn’t just necessary during the class time, but is also necessary when it comes to providing feedback on the assignments. Whether the student earned an F on the assignment and missed every question that was asked, it’s important to still provide encouraging words. They are probably already discouraged from seeing their grades so it’s helpful when the instructor can add something positive to make the blow a little easier to take. Whether it’s a comment on their writing style or the opportunity to revise and resubmit, the student wants to know that the instructor cares about their success.
I feel the human factor is extreemelly important in student retention! The human factor allows us to connect with our students and is the basis upon which we as instructors build trust and a positive environment in the classroom.
Hi Dawn,
Good point. We really do want this so when a person in authority, like us gives them respect then they start to value the educational process even more. They are being validated for their efforts when respect is given by an instructor and they in turn develop respect for that instructor.
Gary
This is so very important because as a rule we all want to know that someone cares for and respects us. I think that students respond in kind and this makes it easier for them to recieve the information that you are giving them as well.
Hi Ricky,
Yes, it is. Instructors have to recognize and support the human aspects of learning. If they don't they are going to have all kinds of challenges through the course.
Gary
The Human Factor in Retention is critical. Many of the students are juggling their lives in order to come to school, jobs, family, etc.....
At times as they become frustrated, it is important to reassure them that their goals are important and to listen to them. I feel that this helps to get them back on tract.
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for sharing this personal example of how teachers cared about you and your success in the class. It is so important for students to understand and know you do care and you are there to support them if they are willing to put forth the required effort.
Gary
Of great imortance, students expect and derserve to be treated as adults in a fair and even handed manner
Being fair and caring is a critical component in student retention. If students feel like no one cares, they won't care either.
The students that are the most difficult are usually the ones that need this most.
Students are humans first. At career colleges, students have lives outside of school. Instructors need to be aware of this as a stated fact. Instructors need to aware that students (or members of thier families) get sick, have to work, have members die, or have other personal drama issues. Instructors need to be firm in quality but still can be flexible in certain situations.
When students know that you care about them as a person then they will want to be in your class again and again.
For example, when I was a student back in 2002 I got sick with my galblader and I left the hospital so that I wouldn't miss class. The director and my instructor would not let me sit in class and made me return to the hospital. I learned more from that situation then I did from the class itself. I learned that I was valued as a person. I try to give that back to my students.
Hi Susan,
Good for you in terms of sneaking this very important component on learning preferences. Knowing about them and doing some self examination is very important for students as they start a new course.
Gary
I try to hold one or two brief meetings with students to check in with them about what is working for them in the class and what adjustment could help their learning. I try to implement the suggestions they make. If I am skeptical of the effectiveness of their suggestion or am reluctant to make that particular change, I explain my thinking and what I am willing to do.
The human factor is important in regards to student rention for various reasons. One reason may be that students sometimes feel overwhelmed with work and school responsibilities and may consider taking the easy way out by dropping classes or dropping out altogether. By suggesting ways of time management might encourage the student to continue with his/her educational goals.
