Hi Jeff,
What I have done is to create pairs or small groups. I have them work together on projects. This way I have assigned seats because the students need to set with their partner or group members but it isn't assigned seating like in high school. Also, these groups create a new dynamic since I "break" up the cliques through random group assignment. I have not had any problems with students getting upset at being assigned to work group and it gets the students focused on the topic rather than the social aspects of the course.
Gary
Hi David,
Good idea in using all the input you can to customize your course as needed to meet the needs of students. As you mention being consistent and fair is a must in order to have a successful class. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Meers et al, Has anyone had any success with managing classroom seating arrangements? I find a fair amount of out-of-class cliques that somehow take on in-class dynamics. Is there a way to handle this and not offend or discriminate the clique types? Jeff Emmons
Use some form of student feed back....Question and answers....group studies with one leader who fits in the groups click....pop tests...surveys....just ask them....I think you must be aware of every student and evenly fair to all, this gains respect....
Hi Susan,
This is a good way of keeping students encouraged and in the course. By building this personal connection you are developing rapport with them. Through rapport you can motivate and challenge them when they start to falter later on in the course. It helps them to care more about their future since you care about their success as well.
Gary
Instructors can become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes by asking questions about the goals and life plans of the students. I keep this on hand through out the semester and when they get bogged down and overwhelmed we revisit why they are there.
It's very important in the begining of every class t see how this will impact their lives.
Also what you can do to help them reach their goals
Hi Katrina,
You have captured it all with the comment about showing personal attention and interest. Students respond to these two items and thus will be more willing to put forth the effort it takes to be successful in the class.
Gary
Hi John,
Great way to help the students to "connect the dots". Many times in their training they only concentrate on the actual components within their field and miss some of the influencing factors such as economics. This should be a major part of their education since things like this will determine their success later on.
Gary
I have found it helpful to ask why they are taking my class and how they think it will related to their life/career. From there I look for ways to incorporate examples that are relevant to students' interests and lives.
By far, the greatest retention strategy is to show personal attention and interest to the student.
Understanding the student first (target audience) is needed for any type of retention strategies.
I constantly try to read the local newspaper and other industry periodicals for ideas, tips, tricks, FAQs and concepts that play daily into my course content. My class deals with the cost control of the industry and with this economy, it is of interest as to how the economic surroundings influence marketing and business decisions toward eventual success.
Hi Jeff,
You make a number of good points on how to be clear with students concerning course expectations, goals and objectives. I want to reinforce the point about using bullet points. This is a great way to get students focused in on what they really need to know.
Gary
Developing a relationship with each student and coming to a clear understanding of needs and goals on both sides. Student and Instructor could then write these needs, goals and class expectations down so there is a clear written understanding. These can be reviewed weekly to see if needs are met and goals are realistic and attainable. I think bullet points would work best. Make adjustments as necessary to maximize potential.
Jeff
Hi "Doc",
I really like the approach your college uses in student retention. By using the team approach the students can see that everyone is concerned and supportive of their success. This way they know they can call upon anyone from the college should they need some additional help.
Gary
Dr. Meers and Class,
At our college, student retention is a matter of team effort. We are required to partner with ancillary departments. That is to say, the Admissions Team member may meet with both the Financial Aid staff member and the Faculty member to partner with the student to overcome obstacles and challenges. Every student is assigned a network of faculty/staff members here at my college as support. However, I also seek to develop rapport with current and upcoming students by merely being courteous enough to get to know them. I know that listening is silent flattery and helps to foster a significant sense of worth in humans.
Thanks!
Dr. John "Doc" Heckman
Hi Faith,
Good point. President Johnson had a quote hanging in his office that read "If you are talking you are not learning". This applies to instructors as well. We need to listen carefully to what the students are "really" saying so we can offer support when needed.
Gary
By Talking with the students and paying attention to how they ask questions about upcoming test's, Will help in nowing if a student is having a problem, sometimes student can make a small problem a big one if they are not allowed to talk about it which can lead to frustration and withraawl from class.
Hi Larry,
Great way to stay current plus expand your expertise as an instructor. With all of these resources you can see the big picture of culinary arts and then select the key components within each area for delivery. This will help the students to see relevancy and application at all points along the course.
Gary
I feel instructors need to search out resources specific to thier field of study. As a culinary instructor I have multiple resources specific to culinary instruction. I can reference other instructors in my school, suggestions from peers at sister schools within our company and also other culinary instructors teaching at local community and vocational programs.
In addition, general education resources specific to vocational learning can and do prove very informative and beneficial.
