Student retention
Student retention is needed to make a profit for your company or keep students coming to your school if public supported. Talking to students daily and finding the ones who have a problem and leading them to someone who can fix their problem will increase retention.You as the instuctor cannot fix all the problems so do not try, find someome else who can take of the problem.
Hi David,
I understand what you are saying and agree with you. However, sometimes we need to view things from other sides as well. I feel that there are many Instrcutors that go far and beyond their call of duty. However on the other hand there are many out there that are only seeking the paycheck and won't take any extra steps. For this reason we see how many Organizations are asking more from the Instructors to help retain their students.
Hi Jack,
I understand where you are coming from, however the Instructor is at the front line. Therefore we need to listen to the student and try to help them and lead them in the right decision.
I was teh Student Service Director for a University for years and did Academic Counseling as well. Through this I found out that many students need guidance and have no idea of where to go for it. As I said, I feel that the Instructor is the beggining of any students success.
I understand that the company must make money to survive. But, I also see that if the product you produce is defective (bad quality), the demand will diminish. Do we really want to keep every student? I don't think so!
Hi David,
What you are talking about is "investment". How much are we willing to invest in our students to help them achieve success? For some instructors it is very little for other a lot. I feel that we should go the extra mile for each student to make sure if they do fail it isn't because we have done "all that we could".
Gary
I agree! As an instructor, you can only do so much to increase retention in a student or a class of students for that matter. But sometimes it does take a little more effort to try to get to the bottom of things than to give up and say, "Well I did all that I could!"
I see instructors on occasions, say they've done all they could, I'll ask them if they sent the student to see the department chair, and they say no!
Well it seems "doing all you can" is a matter of how much each individual instructor is willing to actually do.
Hi Jean,
You are right about instructors needing to follow up with students. The students even though they are adults need to know someone cares about them and their success. Follow up is one of those ways of showing that you the instructor want them to succeed.
Gary
Instructors should contact their students when they are absent and be aware of their well-being.
Sometimes it is a matter of trying different ways to deliver the content until you find one or several that really work with the current group of students.
Hi Eric,
You are right about being a sounding board for students. It is our job to keep them focused on the ultimate outcome and that is the ability to earn a living in the career field they have chosen. By listening and encouraging them we can help make that happen.
Gary
Often what I find is all the student needs is a place to vent and someone who qeniuenly cares. This usually relieves their tension and allows them to rationally work through the problem.
Hi Dave,
Good strategy. The students are getting some very good advice from someone that has been in the field plus is their instructor as well.
Gary
We have instructors to talk to students that are considering leaving. They give a true view of the industry and this usually belies their fears.
Hi Jack,
As an instructor you are correct about being able to do only so much. By knowing what other supports or referrals you can make to help retain students you are helping both your college and your students.
Gary
