Sounds great, Dagger. Could you please share some examples of how the school gets students in the right frame of mind?
The school I work at is concerned about student population from the momment they talk to someone on the phone. We have several stages set up where the student will be screened for any signs of week retention, the student will be taken into account and will go to the proper office to receive further assistance. This is a good way to get the students to think about their education. The school works hard on getting the student in the right frame of mind before they actually step into the classroom.
Good point, Rosalba. What can you, personally or as an institution, do to overcome those arguments?
I agree that it is difficult at times to show the student that the school cares, because some students have so many internal arguments in themselves. Examples: the school only wants my money. I am just a number. They don't care if I finish or not. These arguments are preventing them from taking advantage of their class.
It's hard to tell someone that you care when you don't know their name. learning a student's name is an important part of establishing a relationship with them and it's one of the ways that schools can set themselves apart from the larger, impersonal institutions.
The school I currently work for does not at this time provide picture ID cards. I work the pm classes, and because the attendance is good (although low in number enrolled) it is much easier to identify students as well as their willingness to do the little "extras" to show intent. I too believe knowing a student's name, for instance, shows an understanding of that student as more of an "individule."
