Retention & Real Life Examples
It seems to me that an important part of student retention is to help students become successful by providing examples of what they are learning based on the real world experience of myself and others in the related industry or field. Leaving things open for students perspectives as well. Personal attention and understanding that, as a teacher, I am there to encourage and help give the student the tools to reach their goals.
Adam,
Your students are very fortunate to have an instructor like you. You are making it real for your students by taking them out to your workplace and showing them why they need to learn what is being taught. This increase their ROI in the course greatly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Luckily, I am permitted to bring my classes to my main employer for field trips - Many real life experiences mentioned during lecures come directly from my full-time job, and when the students see the things I talk about in person, it relates to them better. They see the "big picture" being in the Information Technology field.
Kelly,
What a great use of these individuals in multiple ways. I know their messages have a profound impact on the students. Great way to increase the value of the course content for the students because they get to hear how valuable it is from those that are using it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I 100% agree. We have been fortunate enough to utilize graduates to fill our Lab Assistant position. This has allowed current students to receive feedback and perspective from a fellow peer. It has allowed them a comfort zone to practice within prior to attending lab sessions with an Instructor. We also have the graduates at the end of the term give a presentation and complete a Q & A session for current students to discuss their externship experience. It provides an excellent platform for them to reinforce the importance of the course material application in the real world.
Dana,
This is why I use graduates as guest speakers in my courses. They help the current students to see the value of the content being covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I truly agree with this statment, when a student can here from a former student who have just taken the same course that they are taken. They will get a better understanding on how important it is too stay in class. It is also a good mottivation for the student.
Lecture becomes more intriguing when student bring their real life experiences. You will need to keep them focus on the topic and not deviate. Personal experiences help other student to see from another why or how the experience becomes more real.
We try and have past students stop in randomly to help students see what things they are learning in class will help them in the field. It seems to work well and it gives everyone time to relax a little in the classroom.
Pearlmarie,
I use experienced professionals in my classes as well. They help to reinforce what I am teaching the students and help them to see the value they are getting from the course. They also motivate students as they are role models for them to emulate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that by bringing in experienced professionals in the various fields of majors, the students get the real life feedback. Also, students ask the professionals excellent questions regarding how they got their jobs and how to stay current in a field.
