Gabriel,
Good points about how to support the learning of your students. Little things like being early to class and chatting with students really help with establishing rapport and earning their respect. These are solid foundation items for engaged and focused students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
How can instructors become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes?
Know your students. And provide them an honest support system
The instructor is the real key to student’s retention, by applying the strategies that we are learning in this module and with our own experience; we hope that it would lead to student retention. Stay focus on the student needs, and constant fine tuning their development and keep on building confidence.
There are multiple resources for an instructor to learn new and effectice retention strategies. Taking courses like this one is a good option (and meets a faculty training requirement). The Internet provides a wealth of material. Attending seminars or webinars also are a source of exposure. Probably the best method, though, is interacting with other instructors. We learn from one another what works and what doesn't and can bounce ideas off each other.
Eugene,
This is a very good ongoing professional development plan. This way you can make constant improvement in your teaching while continuing to offer relevant content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Eugene,
This is a very good ongoing professional development plan. This way you can make constant improvement in your teaching while continuing to offer relevant content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Trying different strategies and observing which ones are successful or not. By observing and recording data for future reference will help develop different strategies for different groups of students. In my short time as an instructor I've found that each new class brings with them an entirely different dynamic than the last. This helps me to discern which teaching/retention strategy I would need to use or develop for successful retention.
Absolutely. Keeping students motivated to attend class is a big factor when it comes to retention. THe student must WANT to come to class. Not come because they have to.
One way for instructors to become aware of effective retention methods in the classroom is to get to the know each student and identify their personal needs. To do this you must build a positive rapport with the class as a whole in order to gain the trust and respect of individual students.
Becoming aware of effective retention strategies is made easier by communicating with other faculty. Listening to what is working for their classes. Administration often will have ways and help for students who are on the cusp of dropping out. The internet has many methodologies for student retention. Continuing education etc.
But
First teachers must care enough to put their effort into the students and observe that some students have problems with their course. Many teachers just don't care and just put in the time and leave.
Barbara,
It is extremely helpful. Sharing and idea exchanges enrich teaching expertise.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I would think that networking with other instructors would be helpful.
One obvious method is taking part in continuing education such as this class. Other methods would include subscribing to periodicals, attending webinars or attending related conferences. Getting involved in an online chat environment is another good source.
New instructor training thru classroom type orientation to Senior instructor training as a part of instructor iniation in the lab and classroom where these strategies are actually demonstrated.
Michael,
This rapport is so important in relation to student retention. Your comments are right on in relation to how important it is for the student to know they have a caring and supportive instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The best way for an instructor to become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes is to know their students. Establishing a positive and supportive relationship with students will allow the instructor to determine what motivates the student and use this information to help shape a program for success for each student.
Establishing a trust relationship will also allow the student a “safe†place to share their fears and doubts and assist the instructor and the student to develop a plan for success.
I think engaging the students in the class in conversations about their expectations and hopes for their career choice helps. I believe that sharing experiences from the field of choice is important and then the students can be involved in feed back with the instructor to let them know what they expect and need to complete the courses required in the career choice field.
efffective retention begins by catering to all of the student ways of learning(audio, visual,etc. ) . Also by paying attention to student test and during lecture to ensure the students learning style is being actered to
Amber,
Thank you for the kind words they are greatly appreciated. I strive to always keep the mind set of what it is like to be a student. By doing so I can provide the support and mentoring my students need to be successful in spite of the many life challenges they fact.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi Dr. Meers,
In regards to giving back, I believe that this is a character that not many educators share these days. However, your quick and prompt responses and learning concepts have provided a clearer picture in your overall goals as a mentor. From the perspective of this course, I feel that you have been an excellent mentor.
Regards,
Amber Cochran
Amber,
I like to use mentors as well. I have been fortunate the have had some great educators from which I could get advice and counsel. I strive to be a mentor to our new instructors coming in as a part of my giving back to the profession.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
