Hi Cynthia,
This is what professional development is all about. We need to continually seek new information, strategies and input to keep our skills developing so we can be more effective instructors.
Gary
Hi Tamara,
Good point. We need to know the causes so we can create the interventions. By displaying the human factor and keeping our students engaged in the learning process we are going to be able to understand them better and create supports that will help to reduce their school leaving.
Gary
I think surveys can be very helpful if approached in the correct manner. If you make students feel as though they have to they will not do it or if they do it will not be honest feedback, however if you let them know it is to benefit them and their peers they are much more eager to reply to them with honest feedback. I have used this technique many times in different classes.
I personally have learned a lot of my techniques from seasoned instructions, this sometimes has been what to do and what not to do. I also like the use of these types of course to get my mind going on new techniques.
This module has been very informative. I payed great attention to the section on routine. I know I have found that if I don't approach each class as a new opportunity that my students will become bored. They do reflect the attitude of the instructor.
Students do not begin a college course with the intention of dropping out before the end of the term, yet many do. Research shows that how students perceive their learning environment and other college experiences influences their willingness to persist. Understanding student retention theory and how it can be applied in the classroom can improve student retention by helping faculty make better decisions regarding planning and teaching their courses. In addition, increased knowledge about retention theory will help faculty improve their interactions with students both in and out of the classroom
Hi Andrew,
Good for you. You were trying to help the student right up until he left. Even if a student leaves by talking with him/her you are leaving the door open for them to return because they are not leaving with hard feelings, they are just leaving. I know when a student is set on dropping our I have a talk with him/her and then I give them my business card and tell them that they can call me anytime and I will help them get back in school. This has made the difference many times in their coming back to school because they know they have someone to call when they are ready to return.
Gary
Hi Debra,
Doesn't this really help as you plan your instructional approach for the course? I know once I know more about my students and the life experiences they are bringing to my class I am able to target their learning needs better and more accurately.
Gary
Hi Lisa,
This is a great way to show students relevance and application. By meeting and hearing from former students the current students can see how they can be successful and this leads to increased motivation. A win win for everyone.
Gary
All of the ideas I have read through are great. The one thing I always tried to do as an instructor was to speak with a student who planned on withdrawing from the program or school. I was not necessarily doing this to change the students mind, though if this did happen it was a bonus. My goal is to find out if there was anything I could have done differently that would have resulted in the student staying enrolled in the class. Occasionally I receive some quality feedback by doing this.
When first starting my class for the quarter, I found that name cards with the student's name, work experience, and an interesting fact about them was helpful in getting an idea of where my students were coming from. One had been lais off, another was working in food service and wanted to move into patient care, and another was in healthcare and wanted to advance their learning. Very helpful in knowing how to approach teaching this class.
Make the class relative to what happens in real life by giving examples and having guest speakers from the field to show how what the students are studying is pertinent to real life.
Hi Chris,
Good point. These are adults with specific career goals in mind. Knowing what these goals are will really help in planning instructional delivery and content.
Gary
I have always found surverying students a great method. Most of them know what they want and they want the instructor to know it. Chris Bloss
Hi Liz,
You make a great point about letting the students know they are helping to shape the course as a result of the feedback they give you. This way they see they are being valued both as students as well as contributors to the course format.
Gary
Another way to elicit student feedback is through the regular use of formative assessments. Engaging in short activities such as one minute papers is helpful to identify learning gaps. But, then gathering the information you collected and going over it as you kick off your next class shows students that you value their feedback. I think too often we collect feedback from our students and attempt to make changes accordingly, BUT we don't give them the credit for that feedback.
Tell them how you are doing something differently and that change is based on their feedback and suggestions. This will make them feel like they are also architects in developing the learning environment.
Hi Frank,
This is a great thing to do because it helps the students to "connect the dots" between the classroom and real life. Application and relevancy are two words that need to be used frequently when working with students.
Gary
Hi Julie,
This is so important because they want to know as soon as possible how they did on a project, assignment or quiz. You are doing a great service to their learning progress by getting their work back to them quickly so they can see what they need to work on as the course moves forward.
Gary
At the beginning of each class I have a brief discussion with the students and have them share how they would apply the subject matter to real life situations. This helps to make the subject matter more interesting and also encourages class participation.
There are numerous ways instructors can become aware of effective retention strategies including workshops, peer suggestions or techniques, self study and analysis combined with student feedback can all be effective tools.
