Instructors can become aware of effective retention strategies by taking courses in student retention, by reading literature about retention and by reviewing their own successes and failures with retaining students. I question why, in most every course I have taught, there are one or two students whom from the outset, fall behind. They will complete only a small portion of their assignments, take the midterm and do poorly and then either drop out or just quit doing any assignments. I have identified them as at risk and notified their support personnel....I have also e-mailed them (I teach on-line) and tried to call them...I've even sent them postcards....I am at a loss for why I can't motivate these individuals.
that is a great way to keep student interaction going.
I find that students appreciate immediate feedback - tests, quizzes, papers, quesitons. One way that I demonstrate my care for them is to always give graded assignments back the day after they are due. Students not only appreciate the information, but they appreciate the effort, too. AND they immediately see what areas they need to work on for future assignments.
Each class varies quite a lot and I am sometimes surprised on how well the students can direct their own learning
Learning your classes overall attitude will help. Some classes you can joke more with than others. Also, some classes have a student who can fuel a fire and you have to know how to control that student without the student realizing it. Students will stop coming to class if a single student or a group of students are rude,disruptive, and interupt learning. So you have to learn to redirect these type students. By doing so the students see your ability to teach, lead, and above all be trusted. In general I'm an unpredictable instructor in class. My assignments and what is required is very predictable. Howerver, my character, attitude, and what I'm going to do next is very unknown. I find my students don't miss my class for two main reasons:
1. one they understand how important the information is and don't want to miss
2. they want to see what crazy thing or act I'm going to do next
I find this really helps my rentention. Plus they know I truly care and if they put forth the effort I will help in anyway I can.
Hi Linda,
These students need our support because they often feel that they can be successful in the course. With support and encouragement they can move from great concern to confident contributions when given the chance to share their knowledge and life experiences.
Gary
Its good to show some empathy to students who are nervous. Discussing wrong answers is always good. thorough reviews and chances for the students to approach the instructor in private before the tests if they are intimidated by the other students also helps.
Hi Randy,
What a creative way to get the students to think over why the correct answer is correct while the wrong one is wrong. I would imagine you have some very good discussions during these times.
Gary
When correcting quizzes, I often ask why the incorrect answers are not the right ones. This gives me an opportunity to see if they are paying attention to my lectures.
I've seen over the years that the instructor plays a crucial role in retention: this starts from Day 1 and includes monitoring particpation, grading, and actively engaging in the discussion
Retention is every class is going to require a different strategy. In the first classes, more concentration and "personalization" may be in order. For the later classes, the more seasoned almost done students may need less of the personalization. People are basically always in need of being able to see the value of the material. More perceived value will help any student succeed and therefore be retained.
Hi Laura,
This is good advice for all instructors. Use the resources you have available. By having open communication with the Dean of Students and Academic Coordinator you know you have backup when needed to help with a student problem.
Gary
I totally agree, you need to get to know your students.
Networking with other instructors is a good tool. Being aware of the human element in the classroom is also very effective. I find it is also helpful to maintain open lines of communication with the Dean of Students and the academic coordinator since sometimes students will advise those individuals of problems in their lives (including the classroom) before addressing any issue with the instructor.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for sharing this great strategy with us. This is a win win for everyone. They develop knowledge and skill in creating a resume as well as skills in working with each other. As we all know they are going to need these skills in the workplace if they are going to be successful in their careers.
Gary
One thing I've tried with great success is developing a group resume. I have them split into small groups and use easel-sized post-it notes to write down their goals, work experience, achievements, prior educational background, hobbies etc. This has the added benefit of connecting them socially, professionaly and personally. It begins the process of developing greater mutual respect, making new friends, and learning what area of "expertise" each brings to the table. They learn to rely upon each other in these areas very quickly which in turn moves the climate from one of competition to one of teamwork.
They can look for sources via books, professional deevlopment in the area, internet searches, etc. Another great source is by speaking to other instructors. If you know of instructors that the students seem to really respect and enjoy, ask the instructor about their techniques, etc.
Hi Ryan,
Good point about the personal contact. This is what increases retention because the students know they have an instructor that cares about their success.
Gary
Implementing engaging instructional strategies and gaging fedback from the students. Students will let you know if they are bored, lost, too challenged or not challenged enough, but you have to care enough to ask for feedback then adjust teaching methods, lesson plans, actives, etc. accordingly to show you indeed value and respect them as people who want to learn.
Retention strategies start with the instructor. Instructors must be willing to working with students who fall behind but continue to complete assignments. This tells us that the student is trying and extra attention maybe required getting the student through the course. Keeping communications open with the student is the outlet for encouragement. Let’s face, if we as instructors make our business that our students will succeed, we can give them a sense that they can learn anything.
