Understanding Attrition
I do understand things a bit better after completeing this section but is it not as fair question to ask "Is school for everyone"?
'School' is not for everyone but with the variety of different learning opportunities available today, it is very few people. We my students make comments about going to a technical college, I remind them that it is not because they could handle a state college or whatever the learning experience they consider to be superior. In their profession a technical college will prepare them better. They will leave in my opinion more prepared then I was leaving my educational experience.
This is a good question. It would be helpful for the admission representatives to really investigate any road blocks the student may identify as barriers to their success. If barriers are identified early, then resources can be given and methods of coping can be addressed. Sometimes, encouraging a student to wait a quarter to begin while they resolve an issue (medical, work related, pregnancy, et), and how to prepare to begin, would aid in their preparedness, self-esteem, and ultimate success.
I'm intrigued by your statement that you "encounter many students who lack the skills and abilities to help themselves". Are these skills that can be learned in a First Year Experience type course or with some mentoring or they more fundamental?
Have you presented your observations to the administration and/or admissions? If these students are so deficient in life skills and there are no mitigating programs in place, it is unlikely that they will successfully complete the course work.
Sounds like a problem to me.
I used to think that school was for everyone, however working in Student Services has changed that perception for me. Although I do encourage education for all people, not all educational settings and/or institutions are a best fit for certain individuals. I also believe that it takes committment, dedication drive and support. If you are considering school, preparation & dedication is absolutely imperative in order to be successful. School is a life changing event and you must be ready to handle the added stress, work load, as well as cope with the many obstacles that will come along the way. The student is responsible for their own success. I encounter many students who lack the skills and abilities to help themselves. My job is to help provide them w/ the necessary assistance, direction and motivation. However there are students who are just not ready to make the required committment to being a student. Some feel as though we need to solve their problems for them. The reality is that we are preparing them for the work force and they will not be successful if we continue to enable them or make excuses for them. I battle with this daily. I want to help but ultimately these adult students need to learn how to help themselves in order to survive in their futures as employees in their chosen fields.
Agreed Sony. We all need to let students know about the many resources that they have to be able to continue their education and succeed to graduation.
Great question here.
School is not for everyone. However, the moment they signed up and attempts to do something for themselves is a strong indicator that they want to do something for themselves. The question remains, how can one go from A to Z? Some lack study habits, some lack grit, some have enough personal issues to make it through. As a school, starting with Admissions, if we can identify what that issues are, retention improves greatly, not perfect. It takes entire school to get involved, not just instructors alone. This is the most challenging aspects of the business where most schools are separated by departments. In order to truly be successful school, entire departments must come through as a whole.
