Student retention
Different tactics can be used to try to make the "retention demon" go away but for me what has worked best has been keeping the students involved, in charge, and interdependent to one another.
Hi Paula,
Good point about the delicate balance issue related to bringing all students into a class. We need to strive to make everyone feel accepted and comfortable in the class. Learning groups are a great way to give support to students and where they can contribute to discussions in a smaller setting (4-5 students).
Gary
There is a delicate balance, I find, however, between giving a shy or reticent student positive attention that is intended to draw them out -- or making them feel as though their boundaries are being encroached upon. The students who don't participate verbally in class are the most challenging ones to make feel more comfortable into the circle...
Hi Paula,
This is what "reading" students is all about. You have to be able to internalize all of the student signals that are being sent so you can customize your instructional delivery.
Gary
I think this is an excellent point, to pay attention to what is NOT being said verbally, and to body language. This is something to remind myself to be more cognizant of, when observing students.
Hi Diane,
This is a key and critical point. The students need to know you are "invested" in their success and that you will help them as much as you can to achieve it. Well said.
Gary
Hi Richard:
I agree with you that student frustrations may feel over whelming to them at times.
Great listening skills are so improtant. I sometimes think that it's not what they are saying to us as much as what is not being said verbally is sometimes missed. Being consciously aware of body language does not apply, especially for online learning. That in itself can be challenging!
Hi Dr. Meers:
I have found that the many reasons for student retention are as diverse as the students themselves.
Setting the stage on the first day of expectations and developing a good(professional)rapport with the student will encourage the students to establish a positive base line to build from.
I think it is very important to show the student that we actually care about their success.
Right. Another important thing is providing "extra" care/assistance to frustrated students.
I agree. However, it is key to make the relationships work among the students.
Hi Steven,
Well said. Investment means a higher value associated with the final product. The students need to see how they need to be invested because it is their future that is at stake.
Gary
I agree. The student needs some "skin in the game." When they feel invested in the class, knowing they have a stake in it, they step up to not only help themselves but also their classmates.
Hi Toufik,
That is what retention is about. Creating a connection between instructor and students is very important. This connection contributes to the development of rapport and respect. Both of these R's show the students that the instructor cares about them and their future and this increases retention as a result.
Gary
