Retention
Sometimes we can help retention on an individual student basis by simply listening to the concerns of the student.
And there are those who maintain that you can get a good idea of an instructor's classroom skills by reviewing the attendance records of his/her students.
In our institution we have identified instructors who have a heart for student success. One key issue we have identified is attendance. Employers are very interested in attendance and our Student Success Instructors have put an emphasis on being in class. By bringing the concept of being in class improving grade point average to our students we are trying to change the idea that maximum time off allowed is a benefit not a standard. Student retention, I believe, is in direct proportion to student success. If a student is successful in class then they are more likely to stay in school. I tell all my students that "you can't learn the material in this course if you are not in class". In the end the entire staff must be willing to promote the "be in class" concept but it really must start with instructors.
Do most of your students have work experience? If not, how do they put this message into context?
I feel that you can help a
student by reminding him that comming to school
on time is like getting to work on time. It can keep you from being let go.
