Retention
This will be my first year teaching. I find that the more I interact with the students the more connected they feel with the topic and the course. However, if I notice a student has not submit a lab assignment or homework, how can I interact with them professionally to encourage them to complete their work? I want to show that I want them to do well in the course.
Robert,
Sometimes there isn't anything you can do to keep a student from failing. I just completed a course session and I had two students fail the class. Made me sad but I did everything I could do to help them be successful. They chose for some reason to fail and they have to live with the consequences. As post secondary students I remind that they are there because they want to be and they are paying tuition to be in class. It is their future they are creating or killing depending on their effort. I am there as there learning leader and will provide all the support I can but they must earn their grades themselves. Sometimes my speech works and sometimes it doesn't but I do know as a professional educator I did all I could to help them. This is a thought you can take comfort in.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have tried what you have suggested and sometimes it works and sometime it does not work. As an instructor. It is hard to see students fail. Is there anything else I can try?
Grace,
I have found that a private chat with such a student does wonders. Talking with the student before or after class and asking as to why the assignment was not turned in on time helps to establish a connection with that individual. Most students will give an reason and then you can respond with a follow up strategy for getting the work turned in. Some students will not respond as they really don't care about having success in the class. When that is the case I talk with them, encourage them and then see if they will do better. If they don't then they don't pass the class but I know I did all I could to help them be successful. It was their choice to fail.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
