Hi Chanel,
Student feedback is critical to instructor improvement. I survey my students on a regular basis throughout the course so I can make changes or modifications as needed to keep the students on course.
Gary
All instructors should have some sort of survey at the end of class for both the class itself as well as the instructor to get honest-anonymous feedback to help the instructor see areas that can be improved or methods that are working!
Hi Jeffrey,
You are who you are and that becomes a part of your teaching personality. Your students can see that you are a caring and supportive instructor and this will go a long way in helping them to develop respect for what you are doing for them in the classroom/lab.
Gary
By understanding and respecting individual student characteristics, and planning their instructional style accordingly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like to use my office hours to be available for students which can help with retention. I am an online instructor and I use my "online office hours" where students can send me an IM or call me with questions or concerns. I have had students who seek advise about graduate school and career advice.
Talking through out the class, specifically asking questions tot he students about what materials were just discussed is a good way to see if they're getting and retaining things. If they can't remember what was just discussed only a little while ago, they are less likely to remember it after the class is over.
This is a very good question and one I have pondered in the past, particularly for those classes I teach that are electives and not required for their major. Sometimes, learners have chosen to take a course because they felt it would be an easy "A" or because they thought it would not require as much work as another course. Once in and viewing the syllabus, they sometimes change their minds. This is when I find myself struggling to retain them when they have already set their minds on leaving. One technique I use at the very start of any course I teach is to encourage all learners to talk to me if they are feeling overwelmed in the course, or are considering dropping the course, etc. My attempt to reach out to them and for them to know that I am genuinely interested in their success in the course seems to help retain them. I think they also know that I am here to help them get through whatever challenges they are facing with the course to the best of my ability. I also tell them I am not afraid to ask for help and that I encourage them to do so whenever they feel the need.
Dr. Amy Laptad
I also use the index cards periodically through the course to learn what I can put into each class to make the content more relevant. I open it up a bit further by asking what they might like to see in class, whether it be more use of technology, more small group, etc. I find that it can be sometimes more inspired to let the class choose how to conduct class. Of course, I limit this but sometimes it's actually more motivational to have students truly involved. It also helps to think outside the box at times.
One strategy I found to be very effective is to be yourself. Trying to act a certain way or being someone you are not on a consistent basis takes way too much energy and usually students could see through that. Students tend to respond more to an instructor who is real and genuine. Since I try to incorporate my personality into my teachings, it seems to me that the students understand the information better that way.
one way is to try to reach the quiet students either by personal ways or professional ways
I think speaking with each student and trying to find out what outcome they are looking to achieve and then finding they best plan of attack is essential in retaining that student. It seems a daunting task but with so much riding on retention it is worth it in the long run.
If you can't reach each student yourself then, try and find a mentor/couselor they can talk with them. Bottom line, it's what their goals or dreams are that will keep them in class.
Hi Diane,
You make a number of very good points about how to develop respect and rapport with students. The key is caring and you have illustrated that very well with your remarks. You are the critical link between successful completion and dropping out. That cannot be forgotten no matter how busy we get with all our responsibilities as teachers.
Gary
This is a great idea Rick. I have been doing this for a while with great success as well. Whenever I see this type of behavior, I address the entire group and give them the chance of doing a small extra credit assignment where they can relate the information targeted to what "they feel is exciting to them".
I feel the best way for instructors to become aware of effective retention strategies is through professional development, coversations with other instructors and conversations with students. By spending time getting to know your students on a personal level, you understand their responsibilities and frustrations. Taking the time to talk to a student who is having an off day can help you understand why their performance may be different and help them feel that their instructor cares about them as well. Most often, when students feel they are supported, understood and respected they look to their instructors and support staff for assistance rather than drop out. It's also important to treat class time as a welcome break from the students outside stressors.
I think the point regarding giving "real world" examples about the material is integral as well. The student can really see why the material is important, especially if the instructor can provide a personal example.
Student rapport helps to build confidence. I find it best to ask questions and to be a good listener. Listening helps to direct their focus. Focus alleviates fear, increases confidence and utimately brings about success.
Miss Kim
Hi Kimberly,
You will learn some strategies for this as time goes by. I do know that just by chatting with the students each day they will start to trust and respect you. This leads to rapport and with rapport comes the opening up of the students. They start to feel that you really care about them and their success. When that happens you will see your instructor student relationships start to expand.
Gary
Hi George,
This also helps with establishing rapport with the students. They get a few minutes to get settled into the class for that day and can chat with you and each other. This helps set the stage for what is going to happen that day. Good way to start the class.
Gary
I am trying to use more methods to get my students to open up with me but I guess I will find what works best for me in time.
Hi Sean,
By learning all you can about the motivation for students enrolling in the college plus their learning preferences you will be able to plan more accurately your instructional delivery. You make a good point.
Gary
I start the class every morning asking what is going on in the students' world. For those who work, I ask how work is; or those who did not, I ask what they did; and for those who do not work, I ask how they spend their time. And, this have been effective in getting to know them on a personal level.
