I think an important part of retention is to get the students engaged right away. Make learning fun, help them see the importance of the learning process, and build a good rapport with them.
I let my students know I am available any time and what ever it takes to assist them. With their crazy schedules in Las Vegas it is good for them to know that
I think it's simply trial and error. Identify a place in the class or instruction that could be improved to make it more relevant or engaging and figure out different ways to approach or change the lesson plan. Try it once and see how it goes, if it seems sucessful and students respond well, keep it, otherwise continue to modify or change it until it is more effective for students who were otherwise seeming to loose interest
Hi Paul,
Key point. "Reading" students. They will tell you everything you need to know if you will only observe them and listen to what they are "really" saying.
Gary
Look at your students. read their body language to get a sense of what's working and what isn't.
Hi DJ,
Spoken like an instructor that truly enjoys the opportunity to teach. The interaction with students can greatly life your spirits and get you excited about the upcoming class. This also sets a positive tone for the students as they enter your class. Keep it up!
Gary
Hi Dianne,
Great to hear. I know you are going to have a great time in addition to building a stronger rapport with each student. Keep up the good work.
Gary
It is through the daily interaction of each student. If I have not spoken to or assisted each and every student in my class, then I have not completed my job. The daily "mood" of each student tells me something about how the student will participate that day. This does not only apply to my current students, I consider all my potential students as well. I begin each morning greeting all the students in the school. I come in extra early to set up my classroom, then stand and greet incoming students even if they are not my students, because later in their education, thier bottoms will be in my class. This eases the tension for when they do enter my class, they have already seen my face, know my demeaner, and actually increases thier desire to attend my course.
Dr Meers
Before taking these courses I wasn't as aware of the General strategies for student retention. I have taught for 20 years and this course has helped me see the students again refreshed. I now meet and greet my students and connect with them on a personal basis daily. I have put in a few fun games for them with rewards for the winners. At our school we have divided all students up with the faculty so they now have a personal advisor. We meet or email them often to connect with them about what is happening in their lives.
Hi Vicki,
Experience will show you that the daily greeting is critical to keep your finger on the pulse of the class. A brief exchange with each student will give you the read on the mood and attitude of the students that day.
Gary
By getting to know a bit about the background of each student, you should be able to understand what might motivate and/or encourage that student. Then develop a plan of acknowedgement and encouragement based on that knowledge. Asking other instructors that consistently have good attendance and low drop out rates how they motivate students would also be helpful.
I like the daily greeting of each student to gauge what's going on with that student, however, time is very limited in our classes and the material needs to be covered - how can you work it all in?
Hi Susie,
This is a quiet simple approach that enables the students to share with you as they desire so you have a better understanding of their situation. Plus, they know you are supportive of them and their future.
Gary
If I sense a student who might be having a difficult time in class I will ask them what is going on in their lives. I let them know I have seen a change in their learning. I comment that I think they are a good student and I worry that something is hindering their progress.
Hi David,
Well said. You make a number of good points about the impact that teachers have on the retention and success of students. We already know it but we need to be reminded of it at times.
Gary
The most important things you can do to retain students is to Care, truly care and let the students know you care. If students precieve you are interested in them as people and care about them and their success you go a long way to retaining students. It is said the students may not leave because of a teacher they stay because of a teacher.
I find that each class is very different - each one seems to develop it's own personality. I think it's important to recognize this. Of course it's important to acknowledge each student, and to develop a rapport with each one, but I also feel you have to find what works and what doesn't work in each class that you have. Maybe some ideas worked in one class, but not another. You also have to see how students respond. Rapport is a two-way thing, a give and take. I feel teachers should always be redefining what works and what doesn't by being observant and flexible in each one of their classes.
I try to always look deep into the students to see if there is anything that might be flying under the exterior. This enables me to prevent any premature obstacles that might be in front of a student.
Instructors may use some tools like Student Survey (End of Class and/or Middle of Class) and Class Retention Data if they are available. We have those tools and they are very helpful to know class retention and student's satisfaction.
As an instructor, I continuously evaluate if my retention method is effective. There are numerous tools to help retaining students in the class, and I believe one of the most important one is open communication, and other one is making sure the content you are discuss has value to their overall academic goal.
Hi Barbara,
That is very true. This is what student centered instruction is all about.
Gary
