Retention is everyone's job.
If the faculity teaches the materials using learning strategies to meet all learning styles the students should be happy with class. I try to get a team of students from Miller-Motte Technical College to participate in community projects such Relay for Life. This year we teamed up with the Massage Department--giving free massages at the Relay for Life Celebration as well as discount coupons. Our team rasied $1810. This team is really proud of what they have accomplished and have bonded together. Bonding of the students really helps retention.
Stephanie, you use the word "should". Aren't those things happening now? If not, what's the next step?
We may be all responsible for retaining the students but I think the student should be guided to Student Services immediately after a problem has been identified so that the Instructor can continue to focus on teaching the other students. I also think that everyone (Instructor, Student Services, Administration) should collaborate together and come up with a plan to assist the student because I do believe that "two heads are better than one". I think that someone from student services should have the student visit with them often just to keep informed on how well their progress and change the plan of care if necessary.
I totally agree that Retention is everyone's job as it really helps when everyone is on the same page.
A collaborative efforts of all departments may have a strong impact on retenion. Having the resources available to students and providing direction provide students the option to hopefully make the right decisions pertaining to their education.
Having the responsibility of retention on everyone is in my opinion a great example of team effort. I think that effort shows the students we are all in it together!
That was WONDERFUL!!! I LOVE it!! Not only did you help create a support system between those students, but you also enriched the community, and left a positive thought about Miller-Motte to the people you serviced. I believe keeping the students involved, either thru different events at the school that involve both the students, their families and faculty or outside venues creates a bond were in the student feels comfortable to discuss issues that could lead to them dropping out. If we can get to those concerns before they become critical we could actually prevent some students from having to leave school. A support team makes all the difference!
It is everyones job, that is the reason that we do this. And helping the students with thier problems is part of that resposibility. Everyone should know how to help, if it is just a few kind words of encouragement, or helping them find a solution to everyday problems like paying the rent or where thier next meal is coming from. We are here to improve thier lives, not just after they recieve the education, but during the learing process too. If you can't directly help with a problem, you should know which wat to send them to get the help they need. I can understand that sometimes it is tough to see that a student is having a hard time, but there are suttle hints they give, you just have to pay attention.
Retention is everyone's job, if a student has a problem and you are approached, you own it! As an organization we must all become problem solvers and cater to the population.
I take my students on a field trip every term whether its local or actually traveling a few hours. I also warn them if they drop below 80% in attendance in the class that they are not allowed to go on the trip.
I agree that the responcibility of retention falls on the shoulders of faculity and administration. As a teacher you may be able to pick up on the signs that a student is concidering leaving but the administration should be able to follow up with the student once the teacher has identified the potential problem
Yes i really think that it is every ones job, were a team in all the aspects, we all have to be on the same page and be consistant, we all have to have equall investment in the student and show true concern for us to be successful as a whole, not just as an institution but for the student who we are educating, and selling this education to. for them to be successful we need to do our part to make sure that they are given all the tools necessary to help them reach thier dreams.
I believe that community outreach brings people together and helps with retention. Students need to know that they have a stake in the student body as well as in the community and the class. Bonding is essential to keeping students in school.
We have a Night Student Government Council which plans and executes student activities as well as having a team in Relay for Life our night student body is very close. They are now executing a plan to share rides to and from school. Our student body will help each other.
I do believe that community outreach brings people together and makes many feel rewarded by helping/giving. It may also bring students to a team that may encourage one another to keep going and not give up.
Relay for Life is an awesome way. We also participate as a school in Berks County. Last year I was able to bring 120 students to the opening ceremony just myself.
