Robert,
Good point and one that all instructors need to remember as class preparation is made.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I seem to be in the minority. I believe that instructors as well as staff should focus on areas that we have control over. For example, many times our book store does not have the correct textbook or run out. Students should be scheduled early and several terms in advance. Policies, should not be changed and not enforced.
Andre,
I agree. Be able to participate in the different aspects of the class and seeing how their contributions are valued really engage and retain students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructors can increase student retention by making students feel that they have a part in decision making. They can provide an opportunity for the student to understand that their decision to obtain additional education was a valid decision and will have great implications for their future.
John,
So true and so important to the total learning effort. The more connection we have with our students the easier it is to earn their respect and engage them as learners.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I beleive that if the instructor coninues to relay a positive outlook on the subject matter, continued positive feedback to the students and to encourage them to strive harder to meet goals.
This is a great method that I also use. Personal attention and direction helps students know that you care and want them to succeed.
I always try to be actively involved in my students learning success and personal stories about what is important to them today or this week. Spending a few minutes when there is time incouraging them goes along way.
I think we can increase student retention by first and foremost letting the students know that you are always available to help them in any way possible. It is frustrating if the student perceives you as unapproachable. If you are sensitive to their needs and able to help them overcome their doubts about their learning, I think they will want to stay in school just because of the support they receive from you as an instructor.
Michelle,
Keeping students engaged is always a challenge but one that can be met by being creative and seeking feedback from students. This is a way to improve the course delivery while expanding the learning options.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe that the instructor can definitely increase student retention by getting to know his or her students. By understanding the student's personal struggles the instructor can encourage & assist each student individually as needed.
To increase student retention the instructor needs to keep the student interested.
The instructor has to engage the student and chage up the way information is delivered during a class.
As the students often tell me, please don't use just powerpoint instruction, it is to boring! So we change it up. After reviewing some powerpoints I always ask the student to expound on the subject matter. I will ask students to write it out on the board or exchange thoughts about the subject to fellow class mates or myself.
Miriam,
So true. Instructors can inspire students to completion and success. Through modeling and support the students know they can achieve much during their time in the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An instructor can increase student retention by creating a desire in the student to be successful. I try to constantly remind my students why they are in the program and the many benefits that will result. Creating an environment where they student feels they can be successful and helping them use their strengths will give them the confidence in the real world. I try to give plenty of real world examples in connection to the material I instruct so the student feels that the education they are receiving is worth their time and effort.
I like our new policy to email students if they fail to attend class. This lets the students know they were missed and allows a private discussion to discuss the reasons why the didn't show up.
An instructor can increase student retention by
reinforcing the goals that they have previously stated when they enrolled on their course of study.
Being available when they have questions and have specific issues with the course will also reinforce their interest in staying on.
I believe that making a connection with each student is very important in helping with student retention.
Student retention can be increased by gaining interest. Instructors that come to class prepared, excited, and with a positive attitude on the daily - tend to have better retention. Doing fun hands on projects will help to relate the material to real life, and relate the material to experiences the student will have upon graduation.
Kathaleen,
I like the way you outline the need for effective and efficient communication on the part of the instructor when sharing content. This is critical if the students are going to stay focused and engaged throughout the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We have to remember WHY is this student here? What can I do to make the topic interesting and relevant to this student? Alot of our students may be tired if they worked all day. We don't want our class to become the Charlie Brown adult voice - the WAH WAH WAH WAH that bores them to tears or puts them to sleep. I hope that each day is different and interesting. I try to approach it as how would it be interesting to me. Also, since I try to see each student as an individual, I try to know what might be affecting them in their personal life that is splashing over in to their classroom setting. What's going on "out there" that causes issues "in here"? Some of our students are facing challenges we hope to never see.
