At our school we do a couple of different things that help to assess which strategies are working. First, course evaluations are done in the middle of the quarter so that we can address issues that arise immediately rather than waiting until the end of the quarter. Second, we have attendance reports that are sent to instructors which gauge retention by class. If there is a significant drop in attendance for a given week, we can narrow down the cause based on what is happening in the class.
Hi Gary
My retention strategies is to keep students happy and the most motivate, each class is totally different of attitude and behavior from young age and older , you must have different project and tools in class between group and individual , I fund student more motivated when they choose they project I have more students accomplishing and finishing they project
Eric
By creating rapport with the students. Greeting and acknowledging students individaully everyday gives me an idea of the student's frame of mind for the day. I can then take steps to establish rapport with them individually.
For retention mean keep the students in school.
before starting the class I am avaible to talk to some of them who need informations, even if they are not my students, like some advices about recipe, making of, or something more personal, I try to make them confortable
Instructors can become aware of retention strategies by reading books and periodicals, listening to other instructors, and/or asking other instructors for suggestions. Every instructor I know would be delighted if asked for helpful suggestions.
On the last day of each term, as a "final assignment," I ask students to write a brief "Can of Worms" where they respond to a variety of prompts I provide about the course material, my performance, the course criteria, etc. It helps me to better tailor the material for future classes, and gives me immediate insight about how students assess me and the course material as a whole (rather than relying on on-the-spot reactions to specific assignments when students might not yet see the "big picture"). I don't want to sound oblivious to their concerns during the course, but I find I'm able to head them off based on my experiences and observations from prior courses. Thus, the students themselves let me know what's working, with the course material and with my own approach.
In the online environment I ask students to complete a survey for the course. The survey consists of several questions about the content, the assignments, their interaction with me as the instructor and if they could change one thing about the course, what would it be. The answers that I have received have helped not only improve the course, but to make sure that I am giving my students what they need to excel in the course.
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for sharing this introduction and learning about each other strategy. This is a great way for the students to get to know each other while using their newly acquired skills to trouble shoot.
Gary
Hi Sara,
Even if you did get carried away a bit it is ok. This is a common problem on all levels as you explained. This is something that the career college industry is going to have to look at very hard if it is to continue on the success trail it wants to follow. Better pre-assessments and then more accurate placement is a must. Students need career counseling that will enable them to make meaningful, realistic and informed career choices. If not then everyone, students, faculty and their families are going to suffer from their failures.
Gary
Talk with fellow instructors, see what they do and what works or doesn't work. We are all in the same boat and have same desired outcome.....For our students to not only be here but also learn.
retention comes in many different forms.
I believe that getting to know the names of your students the first week of class is very important. This way I can greet them personally each day and also when they are through for the day. I also have students work on projects and when they are completed and working correctly I will have other students put troubles into each other projects so they can troubleshoot each other projects. The students are not aware of which project they will be assigned to troubleshoot. This gets the students talking with each other as they try to find the problems in their projects. It gets all the students talking and seems to ease the tension in the class with all the students. This is one technique that I like to use in my class.
Ray Flacke
I can understand how to retain students:make it personal=names, interests,etc, Make it fun, have many activities...etc
What about the students that should not be in that subject area? The ones who just don't seem to get it(like a 3rd attempt at a class and still attaining a 30% overall, they may have even had different instructors) These students are usually in the 1st couple quarters of their classes. As the instructor, you know they aren't going to make it or they are not a good fit for the career they have chosen... but they want it badly....
I think there should be increased RIGOR on placement testing (ie;math, writing, basic communication, etc) before the students are commited to a career choice. I also think the individual departments should have a say in the base level of skills/academic knowledge etc. that the incoming student needs to possess. I think we are doing some students a diservice by enrolling them without these basic skills. If students could enroll without going into a career field right away (ie, take basic courses) we could help them assess where they might fit better in career choices.
(sorry I got a little carried away!)
Quizzes
Tests
Quick papers (60 second idea)
Group discussions
Hi Matthew,
You are correct about retention. It is the job of everyone to work on it. The instructor is a critical link in the process due to the length of time that is spent with each student.
Gary
Instructors need to active in the retention process if they want to have an effect on student retention. Teaching a course the same way for 20 years isn't likely to shed any insight into this area. So in order to learn new techniques and methods to improve student retention, instructors need to be actively seeking out these methods. In reviewing some of the prior posting, I was impressed with a brilliant comment that mentioned actively participating in training and professional development like this one. Additionally, I make sure to know all of my students’ names and call on them, by name, in class. This was re-enforced to me during this module.
Speaking with other instructors who have good retention and paying attention to the needs of your student. Give the student what they want and need to learn and they will be more likely to continue being students.
I have found one strategy that I think works well. I make it a point to inquire about students' classes other than mine. It helps me get to know more about who they are overall, rather than just who they are in my classroom.
Dr. Meers,
It is important to continue your professional development through classes like this one and to stay up with literature about teaching practices. Retention can't be seen as the role of the student services offices.
The first day of class, I go over the goals and expectations of the course and have the students express their goals and expectations of the course as well. As the course progresses and goals are being met, I will call out to different students on how their specific goals were met, how it can benefit them as a student, and as a professional.
Games with rewards have worked well for me as well.
Hi Isaac,
I use them all the time in my courses and found them of great benefit. Good to hear about your success as well.
Gary
