Hi Debra,
Sounds like a comfortable and fun first meeting of the class. This helps to get the students settled in and provides them a picture of how the class is going to operate. This really does impact retention just as you mentioned.
Gary
By being a part of the class. I don't just sit behind my desk. I get up walk around and interact with my students. I ask if the need any help. I will go and sit among the students while we are doing a whole class exercise. That encourages them to be a part of the exercise.
Student retention starts day one with the instructor. It is important as an instructor to welcome the student to the classroom, especially the first day of class. Starting out with an "orientation" in the classroom is helpful. I created a powerpoint for the first day with funny classroom rules, etc. and include information about myself in the last slide as an ice-breaker. From there I go through my attendance roster and pick names--not in alpha order but randomly and this helps to me remember the student's name--and ask them to tell me about themselves. I have been doing this for some time now and I find it really creates a great start to comfortable learning environment.
To help in this areas some points that are important:
Involving the students to form team environments reflect the real world. Bring the learning around to highlight the skills and techniques that will be of value to them in the industry.Clear consistent information with student discussing salient points.
Identifying at risk student and mentoring these individuals.Opportunities for the students to give feedback on their experiences at the school
Hi Theresa,
Right you are. This is one of the obligations as well as challenges to what we do. We need to plan content and activities that enables the students to learn and stay engaged throughout the class session.
Gary
Instructors can increase student retention by planning class session where students actually regret missing the class. We learned as children through games, in most cases so do adults.
Students don't want to sit for 4-5 hours listening to the instructor talk, and the instructor doesn't actually want to talk for 4-5 hours.
Instructors need to make learning fun not a hassle.
It is not always an easy thing to keep students engaged in studies. The program I teach is not an easy one to say the least, that is why every semester I strive to find new ways to keep my students engaged and try help them from burn out. It is not always successful, as some of the student are not up to the challenge or they just plain faint from the sight of blood. Fun and surgery don't always go hand in hand, but in my classes I try and make it so. Games, assignments and lab time, they are all opportunities to get my students engaged in the process of learning.
Monitor student activity in the classroom. Also, being active outside-the-classroom is effective. Show the students that you do actually care about them, and work fairly.
Hi Rich,
Application and relevancy are the two key words related to your comments. You are dead on with your observations about how maximize student learning.
Gary
I often try to ask question about projects the students are/have been involved in. If I can find a way to relate the material to an experience they have already had, I can really make the lesson stick.
Hi BJ,
I like this approach as it sets the tone for their future success. If they can grasp the concept that being students is their job now then they will realize the need to be professional in their preparation. This will set them up for success in the future.
Gary
On the first day, I give the class a list of classroom rules. I realize that they are adults, but many are not grown ups. However, when reviewing the rules, I point out the reason for each rule and how that rule applies to the 'real world' that they are training for. I tell them to think of me as their employer and my class as their job. For many students, this brings out their intrinsic work ethic and subsequent success. I have very few classroom behavior problems and few students time out. The see their grades as pay for a job well done.
An instructor can increase student retention by getting to know thier students and why they are in class; then what motivates them. Knowing these things about each student helps the student feel important and when the student starts to feel discourage then the instructor will know right off how to refocus the student back to the task at hand.
Small success lead to huge successes. I try to have small success within a class session. Also letting student have thier "Ah Ha" moments; aids in student retention. I live for the "light bulb" moments when everything comes together.
I call to see why the didn't show up
Instructors should introduce themselves as well as learn about their students. I know all my students’ by their names after the first class of semester/quarter. That helps me in later communications to show them my respect.
Instructors should set a positive tone in their introductory speech and focus on students’ success rather than on possible negative results.
Students’ participation should be encouraged during the classes, so that they become active learners. Instructor’s enthusiasm helps students build positive attitude and self-confidence. Providing timely feedback with positive reinforcement encourages students’ continuous learning. Quizzes and exams should be returned as soon as possible with comments. Identifying student with learning difficulties as soon as possible helps in handling this issue better. Attendance issue should be addressed before the student gets into a habit of missing classes.
Hi Nastassia,
Yes, the can by being excited just as you mention. This is so important to the learning process because if the instructor doesn't care then the students won't.
Gary
Instructors can increase student retention by being enthusiastic and encouraging, building connections with the students, helping students connect with other students, by setting a positive tone that focuses on students success, getting the students involved, being respectful of the students, determining students goals and objectives, as well as helping students understand what it takes to be successful. I believe respect, encouragemnet and support is the key.
Hi Kay,
You hit upon two key factors that contribute to online teaching success--honesty and timely feedback. This is something we need to remember as we start a new online course.
Gary
With online classes, the personal factor can be a little more difficult to attain. I think honest and timely feedback on assignments is necessary including positive feedback. Also, it is important to quickly follow up when students miss due dates. We also need to be compassionate if students' personal problems are affecting the classwork. Our school has a large population of military students, so we need to be flexible and accommodate their schedules which are most often out of their control.
Keep them interested in learning.
