Cheryl,
I agree plus getting to know each students helps with earning their respect and developing rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Peter,
This repeated format of reminding is a good strategy because as student approach the mid point in the course they start to wear down and sometimes they can lose the vision of why they are going to school. Helping them to see their future gets them ramped up again able to complete the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that an instructor can increase student retention by getting to know each student personally. If you know each student, you can tailor your teaching style to their learning needs and realize when a student is struggling.
In this case, I remind students why they are in the program. i.e, everyone has chosen to enroll in the program to better themselves. This could mean someething different for everyone, such as job satisfaction, higher pay etc...
The above has to be repeated several times throughoout the module. people temd to have a short attention span. Constitently reminding the students of why they are here helps them to reach their goal and remaining in school.
Robert,
Right you are and an important part of being the learning leader to and for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Claudia,
Excitement and passion are two ways to bring motivation to a classroom. We need to bring both each time we meet a class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Show them that you care and interested in them accomplishing their goals in life.
By making the class motivational, and by giving the students instructional feedback.
Tripp,
Yes, it is. The more we can get the engaged in the course the higher our retention rate is going to be. This is in addition to the increase in student satisfaction and personal growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that course content and how it is presented is crucial in maintaining student involvement. Instructor enthusiasm and career applicability is also important. It is the instructor's responsibility to engage the students and keep them coming back.
Amber,
This is the human side of being a teacher and is an essential part of demonstrating a connection between the student and yourself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making sure the students understand the imortance of them being i class, also showing that you as a teacher care about them.
Nicholas,
This is a good point. We need to help the students connect the dots between course content and real world applications.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By making the material relevant to their field. Also, by creating a fair and supportive learning environment.
Cheryl,
Being there a little early and greeting the students sets the tone for what is going to come that class period. Also, being early enables the instructor to get a "read" on the mood of the class that day and be able to adapt to where the students are and increase their engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Judy,
Communication on a regular basis really helps to keep students engaged. They will respect the instructor as a result which in turn sets the stage for the development of rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe it is the first impression of the instructor that is going to retain the students. By the instructor being on time to class or before the students arrive, lets the student know that the instructor is prepared and ready for class to begin. Also the instructor is there to greet the students before class begins. Setting the tone on the first day of class to set the expectations and putting out the rules and regulations. This way the students can't get any surprises through out their class. It is all set on the first day.
Keeping the student and instructor communication parallel allows for the instructor to know how the student is doing/feeling in regards to their learning experience in course work, personal life issues...not communicating with each of the students doesnt allow for assistance if needed resulting in student retention.
Mary,
Right you are about the instructor needing to be the learning leader. It is our job to facilitate learning in numerous ways to get and keep the students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Do not single out students in class to make corrections, speak to the group about a correction which could effect everyone.
Make yourself available before and after class to
work with students one-on-one...the instructor who
is actually available can help...find something to
praise about everyone, each day...remember to ask about things going on outside of school...maybe
create an on campus event to show off what this class is all about...a demonstration...etc...
With children, the instructor decorates the classroom, in a college classroom why not do the
same, remembering to update displays frequently. I liked the idea of the instructor being the "class leader" that seemed to imply turning the class into a group encouraging imput from everyone, everytime...with positive praise...for
all.
