Ironically, we had a department meeting yesterday regarding this issue. My school has developed a team who runs daily reports to see who is not attending class. They also contact students who for various reasons may have fallen behind, to set them up with tutoring. Our internet secured site, also allows us to post comments e.g. student emailed me had a flat tire, so that the team does not contact them. On my end as the instructor, I try to walk around the room frequently and give each student individual attention during lab time. I also address them by their name, and try to encourage them. Their expectations can be quite high, since they are comparing their designs to professionals; I let them know that this is the first building block and they are doing well.
Hi Mary,
This is why instructors also serve as mentors and listeners. By serving in both roles the students can and will share additional information that can be used to customize and support the learning needs of the students.
Gary
Human factor is very important because student beleives an instructor cares about thier education process and by staying in tune with them you will be able to help them with thier needs
talking and llistening more to the student will definately give you a better outlook on their person and reason. I also believe that setting aside preconceived notions and deep rooted or hidde predudices could seriously hamper your ability to reach certain members in your groups,,,You may not even be aware of the condition until that one student arrives and you want to reach him and you are not quite sure why you cant.Enthusiam can be hard to maintain if your sails are defalted early, how ever , be tahe adult suck it up and hoist the sail to catch a breeze of air and go for it,,rememnber they cant move into the house with you.
I find that some of my younger students talk with each other as if I were not in the classroom, sometimes before class and during breaks. They mention their concerns to each other, and later I can say to them, "I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to overhear you, but I heard you mention...." is there anything I can help you with your concern? Sometimes all they really want is to have an adult sounding board.
By observing everyone, looking and their special needs, identifying their learning styles, and immediately find the best resource for them that may include one on one tutoring.
Hi Carol,
I would have her outline what her expectations are for the course. She could write them down in narrative form or in a list. She could do it as a homework assignment so she wouldn't be under pressure in class. Then take the list or narrative and put it beside the course syllabus or outline. This will give her a graphic picture of the expectations that facing her in the course. Then talk with her about how those expectations can be met. See what her response is. Once you have her response you can create a contract of success with her to help her move along in the course. Let me know if this works for this student.
Gary
I think that other than taking classes like this, many times we just use trial and error to see what works. This is an interesting topic as I have a difficult student and have not yet found the correct way to reach her. I have tried giving her 1 on 1 attention, I have suggested she attend skills classes. I have attempted to question her to see if there are language issues, but she is quite shy and retiring so I get no more than one word answers. I have even tried showing her how to take notes during the demos. I think she wants to be at school, but i cannot seem to get through. What other strategies would you suggest?
Carol Kravitz
As instructor I am aware of effective retention strategies by keeping in contact with my student whenever he or she misses a class. This allows me to be flexible in my lesson plan to accommodate to the student personal needs.
Hi Leslie,
You make a key point. There has to be consistency by all those that have contact with students. This way the students know that from the front door to to graduation date everyone in the college is interested in and supportive of their success. With dedicated and caring instructors the students will have success and be able to achieve the career vision that they hold in their minds.
Gary
If I am interpreting the question correctly, it is about how we become aware of retention strategies. So, I think that the best way to identify ways to keep students engaged in their classes and invested in their programs, would be to have discussions/meetings with the people who work regularly with students, e.g. advisors, admission representatives, and faculty. It would be important to know what messaging that all of these students are getting and to make sure the message is consistent - additionally, this group can share retention ideas and strategies that have worked for them.
Leslie
There were several examples already discussed in the forum already but the important thing is to get the feedback and act as quickly as possible so as not to lose interest or focus of student. You want them motivated and active in the learning process.
Perhaps once a week you set time to discuss the class goals and direction and ask for feedback. Maybe so as to not put students on the spot have a quick survey and include areas of improvement. Break down what could be improved and how, maybe listing technique.
Being aware of the student as you teach including eye contact and body language can tell a lot. Include the student by asking question and checking response is also helpful.
Hi Bryan,
Right you are. Listening is a critical part of being an instructor. It is where the development of respect starts.
Gary
Listening to students concerns is important even if you dont have the solution it shows them that you care about their performance
When you gain students trust they will share with you the issues that disturb them, at this point you can develop individual retention strategies.
It is important to know how every member of the class and how each learns best. This is best achieved by finding out on day 1 each student's background and where he wants to bring his career. Reenforcing this throughout the course and having everyone participate helps.
Through communication, inquiry and creating opportunities or outlets that foster an open environment where trust and honesty encourage rapport building.
Hi Meggan,
I agree with you. You have to get them "hooked" right from the beginning. By having activities and icebreakers you will get the students engaged in the learning process and they can see how they can have success in the course.
Gary
By developing a weekly review of progress with each of my students, I found this to be the best retention strategies I can use for my courses. When a student feels that they are on track, this leads to them doing their best.
Hi Valentina,
Students really welcome the knowledge they have an instructor that cares about their success and is available to help them achieve their career goals. Good job of making yourself available.
Gary
