Great ideas for enhancing retention
I was introduced to a few ideas in this unit that I found to be interesting and "workable" in enhancing our existing retention program. I would love to implement a "lunch and learn" series where issues like stress management, financial management, parenting skills and health topics can be addressed in an informal setting. It would also be nice to have guest speakers at these events that highlight various professions. I think students would appreciate this time to come together, if only for a short time once a month.
Patrick, are these sessions with their instructor? The campus director? How often do you do this? Is it something that is regularly scheduled or in response to an issue? Who's responsible for follow up?
We have used lunch times to let students discuss topics they don't understand or to just get things out.
Of course, the big challenge is how to make an activity rewarding. Any thoughts?
I very much agree that if a student can participate in a rewarding activity they will look forward to staying in school.
Letting the students know what the average test, or quiz score was, always encourages students to a greater sucess. I wonder if they knew other class averages would also encourage them?
We also have a program similar to this. It is important for good students to give back and show support to their fellow classmates. It works out well for all.
Something that hasn't been mentioned is to think of the various quizzes, tests, homework and other evaluation techniques as a means of retaining students. Each one of those techniques provides a discrete measure of student knowledge or proficiency. Based on the student's performance [Pass/Fail] the instructor has an opportunity to enter into a conversation with the student about his/her performance.
Praise is always appreciated when a student passes a quiz or exam. For the student not passing the quiz or exam, intervention by the instructor right then would be essential. Spending the time going over the exam, what the student thought as s/he read the question, what the student understood of the question, how the student selected/deselected the distractors of a multiple choice question is helpful in discovering the student's thought process.
That review with the student provides an opportunity for the instructor to use the Survey/Probe Method to help the student achieve his/her goals.
Bravo! Is your program coordinated by academic affairs or student services? Do the ambassadors cross disciplines or work only with students within their course of study?
we have done that as well...about 6 years...it works very well!!!
This is a really cool concept!!!!!! I am going to share this with my program chair and DOE. This would be great especially for those that are lacking resources or even ideas to help themselves succeed while they are on their educational journey. A lot of the complaints I hear from students are the "I don't" and "I can't" complex. Enticing the students with food and ideas I think will help them Progress further in their journey.
We are also trying to implement weekly contact from the advisor. I will suggest that we also implement an honor roll and dean's list. I like your suggestions.
Chana
Wendy, what would have to happen to start a student ambassador program at your school? Could you do it with just your classes as a starting point?
Having a student ambassador program for a school is the best idea to help cover every aspect of implementing all of the retention ideas in this module. If there was an ambassador for each program, that person could guide the at risk student to any avenue for help...
Hi Cheri and all,
I am trying to come up with ideas for online classes. Right now, we've decided to implement an honor roll and dean's list, and we're working to make sure that they get personal contact from their advisor weekly, whether it's through email, phone calls, or even texting. We are also producing a "web graduation." We're hoping all these things help to build towards a greater retention to show the students that we are working with them, no matter where they are.
Thanks,
Kate
Good move, Kathryn. We'll look forward to hearing how it works.
Good luck.
We just began a student ambassador program that pairs upper classmen with good grades and train their budding leadership skills, with at risk students who need a little extra support. Will keep you posted on the success!!
james, great list of effective practices! You make a point that can't be emphasized enough: each student is different and will respond differently based on their individual circumstance at the moment.
There are several ideas for enhancing retention. Not all of retention methods work for every student. It should be based on individual needs and what works effectively. Following is a list of services to enhance retention: Advising/Counseling; Mentoring; Tutoring; Community Parnerships; Point of Service; Newsletters; Open Door Policy; Suggestion Box; Profiles; Improvement Goals; Monitoring; Surveys; Exit Interviews; Seminars; Courses; Career Awareness Programs; Activities; Appreciation Events; Awards; Clubs & Organizations; Periodic Orientations; hiring and training qualified staff who are competent, caring, and can identify problems upon the onset from Admissions to Placement upon graduation. The whole key; the bottom line is COMMUNICATION!
Cheri, I'm glad to hear that you got some workable ideas. What are the barriers to doing the type of workshops you described?
Good luck with the implementation.
