student retention
make students feel that you are available to help them. never talk down to them, they are here to learn
I work to look at my students in the eye. Watching my students I'm able to identify at times if they are retaining or listening to my delivery. Secondly, a short two question quiz usually helps me identify if my subject is being retained.
Storming, Norming, forming, and Performing also happens in the class.
When a class gels well student retention is high. I attempt to make this happen on the first day of class.
Perfect, i always deal with instructors that act like they are better then a student, we all have to remember that we are not any better, hopefully just smarter in the area we are teaching.
Greetings Toni!
When students understand that we're all the same, but our paths have just been a little different, it is very amazing how much positive energy is created in the classroom.
Good job - I really like you approach!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I find that very often the people who are the true experpts on a particular subject are not necessarily the best teachers. I think it's important to tell my students that I didn't always know how to do all these things. I was once where they are now. I am always willing to tell them incidents when I made some huge, embarrasing error or when I had a lot of trouble mastering some technique or other. It goes a long way toward humanizing myself with the students,but also lets them know that they can often learn more from their failures than their successes.
Niels-
I agree...the "you're going to be tested on this" approach is ineffective.
Instead, providing alternative instructional methods and supplements, will enable the students to learn the class content, without a feeling of being "forced" to retain information. This will allow them to retain course content, intrinsically, which should be the ultimate purpose of any educational experience.
I feel that it is very important to listen to the students. I will take a moment during the lecture to have them ask questions and have discussion.
After each assignment or quiz I will generally ask students for their feedback on the assignment, the effectiveness of the assignment, what could be improved etc? This makes the students feel engaged and part of the process since their opinion counts towards the way in which the class is shaped and helps make the learning process more effective.
Absolutely Joseph!
Great approach!
So many students have self-worth issues that I try in some way to incorporate confidence builders into my discussions or through praise or request for help, etc.
I'm curious - for other respondents to this forum - how do you approach students with low self-esteem?
Keep up the good work!
Jane David
ED107 Facilitator
Not only are we supposed to be available to our students, I feel that respect is just as important. If the learner feels disrespect, they will show it in their work and attendance. I look at the students on the first day and the students that I feel have low self esteem, authority issues or behavioral porblems, I ask them if I can get help from them doing a task or running an errand to get something from another classroom. It makes them feel like I trust them and I can gain their respect.
Hi Donald!
Would you please give me some examples of the techniques that you use.
Thanks,
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
How we as insstructors and mentors will effect our students in wanting them to return. If you have an I don't care attitude neither will they!
Student retention is everyone's responsibility. As an instructor, I have the unique ability to interact with the student and possibly avert a negative situation before it materializes.
Good morning Byron!
Very nicely said!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I believe that when we help our students succeed and overcome obsticles, that is when we help the retention. We have what they want the most and that is knowledge of the subject they are passionate about. When we share that knowledge and some insight of our own, we cannot help but to share a piece of ourselves along with that. I feel sorry for those who think that being a teacher is simply knowing the most about the subject. There is much more involvement required to open a mind.
Way to go Tom, couldn't have said it any better.
Sorry!
As I was saying from you comments, it sounds like you are dedicated to offering the best experience possible. So keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
At times it becomes frustrating, some students seem to not be interested in what they are here to learn.I try to find where their interest lies and try to cross it over to what i wwant to get across.At the start of each class i ask each student a few qustions to find out where the majority of interest lies.
It is important to take the time listen the student's questions and have a clear understanding of what is asked. When student sees you take the time to listen attentively they know you care.
