We have a suggestion box and instructors build relationships with students so we can have open honest communication.
In career development class we let them know that the way to earn a good grade is to meet the insttructors expectations which they cannot do if they are not clear about what they are.
I begin classes by stating what my expectations are of them and asking the students what their expectations are of me and the class.
As a new instructor here I am just beginning to find out what this institution does to meet expectations.To name one,having resources like employment services to help them find a job while they are here to ease the finacial burden.
My institution utilizes the student survey system, at the end of every 3 weeks the students fill out an ESI form which is geared toward their thoughts of the education that they are receving.there are questions about how the instructor performed his or her job and about the quality of the training aid's, and also about the facilities . these ane taken up when finished and turned in, then feedback is received in about one week .
We are constantly conducting surveys with students to help ensure their expectations are being met. We conduct both class surveys as well as broader surveys. Surveys do not always give you an accurate picture of the information you are seeking, so we have begun to focus in other areas as well. For example, our institution has been ensuring that we are "in line" with what our catalogs and course descriptions.
Program Chairs have begun to work with each faculty member reviewing their Master Course Outlines, Lesson Plans, Exams, and Ect. To ensure that we are delivering what we say we are in literature.
Faculty members have begun to work closely with admissions members to provide "product knowledge", by educating the admission team members they are better able to answer prospective students questions with accurate answers based on accurate information. In the past some admission team members may have answered questions not truly knowing what the correct answer was, and unknowingly gave false or inaccurate information to the student. This may have caused our institution to not be able to meet these students expectation's unknowingly.
Students are encouraged by the chef instructors to talk to the chef if they have any questions, comments or concerns about course material or about situations outside of class. Chef instructors then lead them in the right direction.
Interesting concept. Who's on the team and how are they selected? By job, age, personality? What results have you gotten?
How about some examples of adaptations that you have made as a result of the survey, Ted.
We now have a team of people who intermingle in the halls and classrooms regularly to attempt to get the real scoop.
We use student surveys throughout their program to see if their expectations are being met. Based on that feedback we adapt our program and delivery as appropriate.
The student success plan is an initial interview with all students at the beginning of their program. It was a group creation from our student services department. When I worked in admissions I sent out an email to all of my students that I called "First Assignment" it had 3 basic questions. 1) Why do you want this diploma? 2) How will your life be different personally and professionally once you have it? 3) What do you want me to say to you should you ever call me or email me stating that you want to drop out of your program? These questions are part of the student success plan as well as basic information like, who to call if we can't reach the student and do they have internet access at home. The student responses to the plan do make it unique to each student. During our monthly calls to each student as support specialist we update information as needed and we monitor their progress.
Joseph, can you share some of your most success methods to get students to reach out for their exact needs?
Please tell us more about the "student success plan". What's in it? How is it developed? Does each student have a unique plan? How often is it updated and who oversees the progress being made by the student?
Who's responsible for raising the red flag and, more importantly, who's responsible for intervening?
Our organization works diligently with the student(s) to be sure they reach out for their exact needs with complete clarity.
Hi Todd,
As an instructor, do you feel the "At Risk" report has a positive impact or does is create a feeling of "I'm to far behind to catch up" with your students?
We ask. Our open communication style is reiterated each time we visit with our students. We use an initial tool called a "student success plan" and at that time we make it very clear to our students that we want their feedback to ensure that their expectations are being met.
First Admissions spends a lengthy time with them, gives them an overview, tours, talks to current students and instructors. They are given sample lectures and demo information sheets and they can ask all the questions they want before making a decision. When they are enrolled the instructors and administration teams up to make sure all students are creating a good experience and that they are getting the best education possible. When a student is repeatedly absent or showing signs of detachment from school a red flag goes up and we intervene right away.
With respect to theory, my institution has provided very targeted and motivating jump-start presentation. Students gain an air of commitment and accomplishment walking throuigh our doors. Instructor attitudes and videos promote excitment and enthusiasm towards our unique educational experience.
In our institution, we focus on following up on the student academic success by maintaining an open line of communication between students, instructors and lead instructors.
We try to anticipate any potential academic issues, call/email students when they are absent to ensure everything is OK and identify ways we can help them if necessary.
At mid-term, failing and potentially failing students will received a student action report highlighting their current position and commenting on aspect they can do to improve and succeed in the class.
Yes, it does take a great deal of time; however, I have noticed that the students tend to attend class more. Many of them message me when they are running late.I think that they are more accountable.
