Monitor attendance and scores
Develop a method of re-enforcing skills and knowledge.
Hi Dean
You are right about the dynamics of the class dictating the strategies that you use. The key is to have as many tools as you can in your instructional "tool box" so you can make choices about how to deliver content once you know the make up of the class.
Gary
Courses like this and tips from administration or more experienced instructors can provide possibilities to use. However, the makeup of the students in the class will probably determine which strategies will be more effective for a particular group.
Keeping students involved at different levels helps.
I try to encourage rather that critisize. It is easier to tell a student wha they did wrong, we have to point out what they did right.
Hi Karen,
Communication is critical to keep everyone in the loop as the school tries to identify the reasons for the absences and do follow up. In many cases if an intervention can be set up early in the sequence the student can be kept in the program.
Gary
I use this procedure, as well. I find that the student is contacted by the dean of students or his/her advisor within a day of my notification. This immediately opens up communication across lines to make sure the student is first, okay and second, aware that missing classes repeatedly dramatically affects his/her grade makes it hard to catch up with the rest of the class.
I think relating to the students' personal circumstances and situations on an individual level establishes rapport and increases student retention in classroom.
Dr. Meers:
I have found that if I have a student that repetitively misses class, I let their advisor know and my superior, Program chair of the Business School so that they know that I have a problem. That way they can review the students schedule to see if it is just my class, or others that they are missing.
Communication between the advisors, professors and student retention seems to work to keep students in the class
A couple weeks prior to mid-term I like to give my students a mini evaluation of the class to fill out to get a sense of what they think of the class so far and what might need to be adjusted to meet the students' needs and expectations.
Again, put yourself in their place. I treat all as I want to be treated. So I am a huge student advocate. Sometimes, we are the only people in their life that might show caring. So anything that the instructor might conceive as insignificant, could be HUGE to the student. Which shows you care, and aids in their success and keeps them in school.
Keep students engaged in class and what they are learning.
I agree that assessing students after quizzes and activities helps establish your concern and personal involvement in each student's performance. I also believe that it is important to include a little private chat time with each student each day.
Hi Bruno,
What would be the focus of these meetings and how would you come up with strategies for retention as a result of these meetings?
Gary
Hi Ted,
What has worked best for you in the classroom in terms of student retention?
Gary
Weekly meetings with managers and other instructors
By communicating with co-workers, and finding out what works for them.
Search for sources outside the classroom.
Surveying the students can provide feedback about which methods are helping the most in helping the students get the information. After a quiz, it is good to assess the class and see if they would prefer a different evaluation next time- like homework, etc. Trying to use humor and keep the students in a lighter mood also helps retention. Reviewing the literature can help give some general ideas, especially for college teachers that have not come from a traditional educational background.
Effective Retention Strategies
How can instructors become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes?
