Involving students to increase their vested interest in every aspect of school life gives them a sense of place. They feel comfortable with faculty cooking hot dogs, and service popcorn just to name a few of the ways in which they can be approached. We intereact with students academically and strive to give meaning to their place in the school environment. We do not judge them about their past but help them to keep their eye on the future. Academically they have reason to be successful and with our social opportunities they feel they have a place.
Clubs are a great way to increase socialization among students and faculty as well as building upon industry related skills. One club, Iron Toques, much like an honor club engages students in high standards like those expected in the culinary/hospitality industry, rigor of meeting academic standards, requires community hours and support of each club member. This club has the highest enrollment and participation. Students who excel in this club are recognized at graduation which is an honor for them.
I'm having an Ambassador from each program to create a display board for their program. This will be used during an Educational Fair; where they can promote their own program. They will work with their Program Director to create.
I'm new to my campus and we are getting back to having quarterly Student Appreciation Day. We are also going to start-up 'clubs' for each of the programs. I believe if we get the student more involved in their program and get them a sense of belonging, that this will improve retention. I also read through the last student survey and have addressed some of the comments listed. This will so the students that we are listening and taking action; which should help with retention.
what can I say but many thanks to all. I printed this discussion and plan on sharing it with my colleagues.....fantastic suggestions...most valuable part of this course.
At our school we have many social activities where the students can bond with eachother. I also believe it is a good way to increase retention, but most important a way to show our students we do care and want the best for them.
Good deal. That is the idea... think of ways that you can improve a percetn or two.
Dr. Banks
I didn't think about those. I was thinking more along the lines of what I can do as an instructor to improve retention. One idea that I have along these lines would be to hold a door prize give away at a school sponsored event.
How about career or job fairs? Or, other kinds of student appreciation activities?
Dr. Banks
Methods to increase student retention:
Weekly reminders about missing work
Weekly reminders to students that are failing or close to failing
Attempt to contact students that are not attending
Offer multiple avenues for the students to contact the instructors
Apply policies and grading criteria in uniform manner
Offer activities that cover similar material from multiple angles
I love your idea of peer tutoring. The key is to invoke advising... but, real advising, centered on career themes. Too often, advising is not geared toward keeping the student's vision alive.
Dr. B
Budgeting seminar
Student Council events
Faculty advising
Cooking competitions
Peer Tutoring
Accademic Monitoring
Just what needs to happens. Keep your students engaged and connected with the school. The big idea, help students to connect with other students. Why? It is just another tool in the tool box for improving rentention. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Banks
During the year we have car shows, open houses, and dress up days including Halloween.
We also have food days, turkey bowling, and field trips for different classes.
There are organizations that come and talk with the students.
All and all, we have quite a few actives at our school.
Most of us experience a lack of participation. However, many students are looking for social opportunities. Find a student who is an informal leader. It seems like the right person makes good things happen. When a student council works, it really works... but, it is a magic person that makes the difference.
Dr. B
We have a very active student council that plans contests, dances, outings, fundraising events, etc. We belong to a professional honor/service organization. We hold classes that are open to the public that students are encouraged to participate in as assistants. We tried to have student clubs, but there was a great lack of participation/apathy toward that, but it's something we could revisit.
We do address barriers to learning, negative self talk, and being around those who don't want the student to succeed. Sometimes this is a real tough spot, since the student is the first in the family to go to an institute of higher learning.
Some relatives don't see the value, and discourage the student. We advise them to be around people who want to help them succeed
Thanks for sharing. Consider the notion of removing learning barriers. Does this spring an idea?
Dr. B
The class is pretty much non-stress, no exams, lots of reflecting on the past and planning for the future. The course is twelve weeks long, and the first week is about "Change".
The transition to college life for non-traditional students are quite difficult for some to get their arms around. The things we address are the things that they run into immediately. It really helps retention.
Does the stratgies class help? What content is missing and what content works? Trying to get you to reflect some :)
Dr. L
