Making a connection with the student from day one is vital. During my first day of class, I find out their birthday, easiest phone number and email to reach them, and the reason why they chose this program. This helps me begin to build a bond with them. I also have little gifts for them on day one such as pencils and highlighters.
Heather,
Seems like you have quite a few things in place. Any favorites?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Some school involvement activities include pot lucks, celebrating birthdays, costume contests, picnics, awards, etc. There are several occasions that could be turned into an activity to aide in student retention.
My school is really involved in the community.
Alina,
I like this idea. What will take to make it happen?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Organize health checks in which students can go outside the school and check vital signs, etc. at shopping malls, etc. This can give students a clear perspective on how they can be an important step in the well being of others.
At this moment we are trying to implement a group of ambassadors or volunteers. One of my coworkers came up with the idea and I think it will help a lot with the retention.
Robert,
Recognition reinforces student success. I've seen several similar programs and they are all positive.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We provide pins to our students when they achieve certain milestones. Also, these pins are accompanied by awards/certificates that we tell them is great for them to input into a portfolio for when they apply for jobs. We arrange activities around these pins, and host alumni events, etc. We really try to tie in all of the departments (i.e., current students, academics, graduate employment, admissions reps, administration, etc.) The students feel part of a family.
sheila,
This is a great suggestion. Combining the free food with a service promotes the service.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
These are some we already do:
door decorations for the holiday
potlucks at the end of every term
community service (Mission of Mercy)
in the summer we have grilling on Thursday's students bring their meats we grill them and then they can have pot lucks.
some activities I would like to see more off are:
pizza day
more mentoring opportunities
fun activities that require competition
Diane,
I agree. Our school participated in a walk for MS and our Dental students participate an community event that help child learn about oral care. This increase the moral of our students.
Potlucks have been the most successful with my students. We have tried marathons, volunteering opportunities, food drives, and many others. The students are generally too busy for outside activities.
The activities that they do with each other and within the normal classroom time are the best. When it is presented as "part of today's class" they do not get to opt out and end up really enjoying themselves in a function that they would have denied otherwise.
Stelian,
I had a Math instructor that had Pie and coffee in the classroom when teaching PII. Not so much of an activity but certainly brightened up the learning for the day.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
No, they did not announce a prize prior to giving the survey. Once the results were in, however, the students were given the option to choose a cookout or an ice cream party.
Angela,
Was the cookout announced as a prize before the survey?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Fun and yet educational activities( trip to hospital, ). Involve pot lucks, where the food is representing class room activities, ( kidney, heart made out of jello, etc..)
Bring in graduated students to class. Try to consistently maintain fun, but educational activities in class or lab.
Our school gives academic awards at each term end (President's list for 4.0 and Dean's list for 3.5-3.9, Perfect Attendance). Also, just a week ago there was a cookout in honor of the ST program for having the highest participation for Student Satisfaction Surveys.
Qadar,
Any events to help with learning? This is ALL great.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our school already implemented so many activities that promote the interaction between students, Faculty and staff. Last Halloween, we had costume contests. This thanksgiving we are having pot luck with the students. We even have barbecue day, hotdog day, popcorn day, eegee’s day and so on. Those events are shaping up the retention. We also get referrals on those days.
