Andrew, does the pass/fail scale vary with type of course or when it occurs in the curriculum? Do different programs have different retention expectations? Is there any training or mentoring for instructors whose results are sub-par?
But do the students think this is an effective way of dealing with their expectations, Anthony?
I guess you have to start with knowing if this is a serious response or an unfortunate, random response. In my experience if heartfelt, the student is saying they feel trapped in a negative situation, feel they have to ride it out but don't want others to get caught in the same situation. The answer usually reflects a complex set of variables, but it certainly includes the classroom experience. An action plan would start with a candid introspection of what is going on in the classroom, with a bias toward finding ways to improve delivery of the subject matter.
Keep up the hard work and diligence, Chelsea. What impact have these efforts had on student success?
we have ongoing surveys to chck on student progress
We now implement as a necessary expectation tool reintroducing to students the keys To Success in the beginning courses, even though they may have had this in orientation, we decided that it would be a great tool to reinforce what the student can expect and what is expected of them to complete their education.
We involve the entire campus in helping to meet student expectations. While we do have the traditional end of course surveys, each department meets with students who are at high risk or showing symptoms of being in trouble to see what resources we have available to help them. These students are identified by their history, Instructor input, and by students themselves. While we do on occassion have a student appreciation day, most of what we do to help with satisfaction comes from our day to day interactions.
open door policy. any student that has an need they feel is not being meet by the instructor, is able to go to the education manager (EM). Just one of many ways.
Our students are asked every three weeks, at the end of a class, to rate the school, and its instructors. The survey covers things like online content, training aids, instructor knowledge, and overall satisfaction with the course. As Instructors, we get some of the survey results, but we are not open to all of the students feedback. Our retention is measured in a pass/fail grade scale. We do our best to catch problems head on, but there are times when students just stop coming. That negative mark appears on our retention rate, but with the knowledge we are given individually, there is not much we can do about it. Overall, I feel the students who stay are the ones who are truly passionate about their field, and bettering their lives in a career they enjoy.
Our campus monitors our students in many different ways. We consistently are in the classroom reviewing the instructors' interactions with the students. We also watch the students' attendance in every course and are encouraged to reach out to each students who is frequently missing class or any student for that matter who missed class. We review the student surveys every term as well. We are constantly looking for improved ways to monitor our students and our retention rate.
Students are given satisfaction surveys after every class and have room to write comments also. They are given a lot of attention and if a student signs their name (optional) and have any negative or suggestions for improvement they are called in individually to discuss their concerns. The negative part is when students just do a "Christmas Tree" or put all their answers as neither yes or no. Staff is then given a report card on what students had to say about the instructor and if negative the instructor needs to do an action plan to fix their faults. Sometimes the instructors faults include - " I would not refer a friend or family member to this program" I often wonder what action plan I can do to fix that.
Marty, what sort of comments do they provide? Have you changed your methods as a result of any of these comments?
We use an End of Course Survey and in course surveys.
We have student fill out a survey at the end of each 3 week course. We also have a comments section that they can fill out if they like, but very few do so. When the students do add comments it is helpful, so we can get feed back from thier prospective.
Deliver what we are selling
What does your institution do to keep the outside reps properly informed, Kyle? Do any inside people sit in on their presentations?
Dorothy, how has these data changed your approach to your students and your job?
And then what happens, Michael? How do you use the results of this exercise?
Any ideas about the source of that myth, David?
Sounds like a solid approach, Kelvin. Does admissions have a chance to share their challenges with the faculty as well?
