Hi Patricia,
Many students need this extra bit of attention to keep them engaged and coming to school. Good way to show them that you care and are there to support them.
Gary
Calling a student which has not been in class is a successful way of effective retention. students seem to like the one on one attention from a teacher. the teacher can also be a resource if necessary for the student to find services they might be in need of.
Experience plays a key role in identifying if you are using effective retention strategies. Instructors need to test for effective strategies early in their classroom to ensure they are on the correct pathway of success and retention.
Hi Kim,
So true. Respect and rapport both come about as result of students having a competent and caring instructor. The more you can learn about your students the more targeted you can be in helping them to be successful.
Gary
Showing that you care in each individuals learning is a big part of it when I review ask questions and call on students if they struggle I ask the whole class to help that person out with the answer and I encourage them by telling the students that they gave it a good try and the next time I ask the question they will get it right. I also let them know that threw review each time we review a few more things will stick in there head. This is why I review so much all the information I deliver in class is reviewed at the beginning and at the end of class everyday. the students benefit from that and really look forward to it
Hi Timothy,
This is something that we don't do often enough. We need to talk, exchange ideas and plan with our fellow instructors more often than we do. These efforts really pay off in both better teaching as well as a more involved faculty.
Gary
As with any subject, we should always be striving to improve and learn from our peers. One of the best ways to learn new ideas is to participate in forums like this where instructors can share their knowledge and experience in dealing with different student situations. In the pilot world we call this "hanger flying" once a month or so we would get the aircrews together and discuss different topics and everyone participated in sharing their experiences or asking questions that more than likely several other people were wanting to ask.
Hi Ofe,
This is a supportive and encouraging introduction to your course. This helps set the students at ease while sharing with them the expectations of the course. I know this helps them to feel they can be successful in the course while knowing they have a supportive instructor they can call upon for help as needed.
Gary
John
Listening is key. Sometimes just listening, the student will come around to answering their own question, which is a success for all.
Hi Robert
This is probably very helpful for those students who need a little extra encouragement and need some reassurance that they are on the right track. Sometimes students have been told they are too old to go back to school they second guess their own ability to complete the assignemnt accurately
I share my story and say that a support system is very important and for me it is not extended family since I am a transplant to my community; I rely on friends and neighbors. During the introductory stage of the class when everyone is telling a little bit about themselves, this gives me an opportunity to ask, questions too. I provide my policies and procedures, but indicate that everyone is an adult and things happen. I ask that they keep me in the loop and I will work with them in any way I can. I have extended deadlines with students who have had to deal with death in the family, medical illness and system issues.
Understanding the students motivation for being in the class can assists in making effective retention strategies
I ask questions and even if a student gives a wrong answer, I use that as a learning tool because I believe that understanding incorrect application is just as important as learning to apply something correctly. I also warn the students that I need their input just like they need mine. I ask if things make sense about 1000 times during class. It gives me a "read" on the class (who has zoned out and who is still with me), and it gives students a natural break to ask questions.
Instructors need to be aware of the students feelings and help them work through ideas in the class that they are struggling with instead of break them down and belittle them. Also changing up the way that an instructor delivers the theory can keep the class lively and feel a higher level of energy from the class instead of the same routine everyday.
Hi Marie,
You make a good point of how instructors can benefit from student feedback. If we review the feedback and then translate that feedback into instructional improvement then everyone involved will have made a different in the learning process.
Gary
Instructors need to continue in their learning process with continuing education to learn new strategies to adapt within a class. Outside input on teaching strategies is valuable. I look at my evaluations from students as important feedback. I look out for my students also for imput in my teaching strategies and program development. They are the best indicators of how effective the curriculum is, the delivery was and how receptive the audiences was.
Hi Cheyney,
Great use of a valuable resource. Experienced faculty can really help with all aspects of instruction because they have been through all types of situations that gives them the expertise to help other faculty.
Gary
Hi Marvin,
Good point about being there for students. They need to know you will support their learning efforts if they will put forth the effort. Encouragement is a powerful motivator for us all.
Gary
I find the most effective retention strategies come from faculty meetings. The old addage 'two heads are better than one' holds true. We have a dynamic faculty and it would be wasteful to not utilize the vast experience and knowledge at my disposal to create retention scenarios that really work!
Sometimes this question may be somewhat difficult to answer. When it comes to trail and error this will not work because you will never have two classes exactly alike. There are too many differences in attitudes, abilities, point of views, and concerns in every class. The best use of retention strategies is to let each studnet know that you are there to help them learn, grow, and succeed. Showing feeling and concern for the class and all studnets is a great method to help retain students in the classroom. A little, "you can do this" attitude goes a long way with students.
