Retention
I feel (from the instructor side) that the friendlier faces the students see the more comfortable they become. The interaction with students helps build retention by giving them people to trust. It gives more familiar surroundings and keeps the student comfortable.
Pete--
Including current students, faculty and staff in your new student orientation is an excellent way to bring them 'in to the family'.
Susan
As an instructor I feel the responsibility to bring the learner to their "comfort zone" as soon as possible.Getting them to interact durring the orientation sessions brings up a level of confindence so that on the first day of class they are properly prepared.The interacting should include students, new and present, department staff and the facilities itself.
Penny--
All excellent points! These are things we often take for granted, yet can be exceedingly stressful for students. Hopefully, orientation takes care of much of this.
Susan
Speaking as a former student, the more a student knows about an institution, the better they will fare. For example, if they know where to park, where to enter the building, how to access their e-mail, how to find restrooms, where their classes are located, who to go to for a parking permit, etc., they will waste very little time and be able to spend more time on learning. This will all help to guarantee success.
Jason--
So true! You need to be 'approachable' and everyone feels better around someone who is upbeat. Something as simple as a genuine smile goes a long way.
Susan
Having a smile on your face when the students are introduced to you on the first day goes a long way. Students tend to gravitate towards you if your happy. When a student feels this way they tend to open up to you, so if there is a problem you will be the the first line of communication.
A happy face is a good start but not all of us are constantly bubbling with joy. I addition to the happy face is the sence of confidence the student needs, confidence that the instructor cares, and is highly motivated to see them succeed.
Cynthia--
Excellent point. It is important to have an understanding of each individual student so we can help them as much as possible.
Susan
I agree, being approachable and letting the student know that you do care about them and there sucess does make a difference. I also think that knowing what challenges the student may be having in there lives helps the instructor keep a pulse on where the student may need encouragement or just a smile...
Kevin--
You are absolutely correct. Surprises are not good and students do like to know the boundaries (and have them consistent).
Susan
Great point. I also find that making sure the student understands the guidlines and rules of the course are less "surprised" when they are gently reprimanded for doing somethign they are not supposed to. This also helps reinforce retention by furthering that "home comfort" by undersanding what they can and cant do ahead of time, rather than being sideblinded.
Richard, I agree whole heartily… An Instructor’s goal is for students to learn skills and meet the objectives of the course. Traditional curriculum materials tend to offer only limited flexibility for meeting that goal - often requiring students to adapt to the curriculum. Universally designed curriculum overcomes limitations by incorporating three principles of flexibility into the design:
Multiple methods of presentation
Multiple options for participation
Multiple means of expression
This built-in flexibility provides into a wider range of options for students to choose from - meaning the curriculum adapts to the student, rather than the other way around.
Lisa--
As you point out, letting students know that help is available and they shouldn't be afraid to ask is extremely important. Great job.
Susan
Helping students feel comfortable with school staff and with the instructors in regards to working with them and helping them at any time.
showing that you care about there education also helps in retention and lets them feel that there not just a number
I totally agree. On the first day I lay down the rules firmly. Then I get to know the students and keep class fun and no matter what kind of day I am having, I keep a smile on and make the students as comfortable as possible. If they enjoy coming to class, retention will stay up.
this is a very big proublem the students can tell if the instructor is very good at the subject he or she teaches and they question there education so he or she must be the best they can at what they teach and how they teach it.
Retention is the responsibility from every staff and faculty member at the college. Everyone must own this responsibility, otherwise, the student will not get the best service. As the Drector of Retention, this is a practice we have put in place at our college.
Blaik--
Great analogy! Just don't break a leg :)
Susan
