I wholeheartedly agree with what Robert wrote here. My students love to hear what I call "war stories" that relate directly to a particular point. But they also become so much more engaged when I share information about how certain material fits into the overall curriculum and ultimately the career area. Not only does this underscore the value of needing to know X that is necessary to do Y but it also gives relevance and context to the material so the student can picture himself doing it. As a part of that I also like to ask scenario questions, hypothetically putting the students out into the real world and asking the "what if" type of questions. These help the student try on certain behaviors and also show that I do expect that each student will make it there, with a little bit more time and work. We take journeys together.
Hi Stacey,
This is a great way to create a connection between the beginners and the upper level students. As you say it is a great comfort to know you have someone you can call on when the going gets tough. I am sure this helps to keep the retention level higher for the beginning students since they know and work with upper level students that got through the tough times and are enjoying the new skills and knowledge they have acquired.
Gary
This year we started a buddy program for our new freshmen. They were assigned a junior or senior to be their "person" to call for support as needed throughout the program. Our 3 year midwifery program is challenging in the first year. Many want to give up when they realize how demanding the profession is and how much work is involved to learn the "trade". They love having someone to personally call for support whom they know has gone through these same beginning steps before.
An instructor can increse student retention by continuing to give them a reason to remain in class and also current in their classwork. Recognizing student contributions in terms of effort expended, participating in discussion, and upholding professional standards in he classroom works. Recognizing each student, using their name, showing your concern by sending e-mails when they are not in class, and making content relevant to future career plans and skill development will assit in this retention goal. Students need to know why they are in class, and the benefits that will accrue regarding its completion. If the textbook is perceived as boring, then extra instructor effort needs to be made. Humor always helps when used appropriately.
Once I get to know my students in the first few days of class, I reach out specially to those who are not engaged. Many of these students are sitting on the fence unsure of themselves, the expectations or coping issues. Once I draw out their concerns individually, I am able to help them to a great extent with other perspectives on their issues, converting some of these at-risk students in the process.
Hi Matt,
These examples of situations and mistakes that have been made all help to reinforce the course content. It gives the students a "heads up" in terms of what to look for when they enter the field. Good points.
Gary
It is important to have a good mixture of good stories and mistakes that happen in the field we teach. If everything turns out great they might wonder why they don't find everything easy, and get frustrated. They also need to know some common mistakes so they might be able to avoid them.
Interact with students and create an environment that is conducive to all tyoes of learners.
Hi Monica,
Right you are. Contact--Follow-up--Contact--Follow-up. That is what it is all about. This way the students know that you care about their success and will provide the support to help them achieve their career goals.
Gary
The simple statement is: Contact, Follow-up, Contact, Follow-up, Contact, Follow-up, Contact, Follow-up.
It is a matter of constant contact. Then making sure that the student understood how to integrate the information in 'real life' and then put that information into action.
Setting expectations, providing assistance when needed, showing that you care, helping them integrate the material to applicable situations and making it a fun learning environment.
All these things go into classroom retention efforts.
Hi Ann,
Great way to establish rapport with your students. It is amazing how a little time spent with each student will result in great returns.
Gary
I have always made it a habbit to learn the students names, sometimes if the class is large it takes a day or two. I think it is important to the student because the must wonder if you don't know who they are, how are they being graded.
I make it a habit to say hi to former students in the hall and call them by name, I know I will have them again so it's easier than re-learning all the names.
I also like to spend time with each student during the class. If they don't need help on the project at hand, I ask them abouth the job they have, what are they interested in career-wise or something else personal to themself.
I believe one good way to achieve good student retention is to just make the student feel like they are suppose to be there. And that no matter what they can talk to me.
Other than that I try to keep them excited about what they are learning. That's always great motivation!
Showing a genuine enthusiasm for the content taught in a class may increase student attention. Enthusiasm can be contagious and if they instructor is passionate about the topic the students often then share that enthusiasm. Of course, establishing rapport with each student aids retention also. By greeting them every day, using their name when speaking to them, and treating them respectfully makes a student feal accepted and worthwhile.
Hi Matthew,
Good point about using personal experience stories in illustrating a point or showing students how the real world is going to be for them. Instructors need to pick the most appropriate stories and then keep them brief and on point.
Gary
I agree with your post about student retention, we don't have to be buddies with our students but we should be approachable and care about their opinions and thoughts. This is a give and take situation that always works when flexible.
The "stories" are a great tool but I have witnessed instructors getting off track with "career war stories" that can sour a learner if the context of the story is not relavent. I try and keep my stories on task and upbeat to promote the lesson while keeping the interest level high.
I believe that an instructor has a great impact on student retention. If a instructor is stand offish, unapproachable, and inflexible with their students, they may feel as if the instructor is against them. When students feel as their instructor is against them, they are more likely to give up.
You can increase student retention by making every student feel valued and a part of the school and reminding them of there long term goals
With my online students, I send them a welcome letter on the first day of class. I also make note of the comments they posted about themselves in the Introduction thread and will use it when communicating with students.
With my F2F students I do an ice breaker on the first day, which sets a positive atmosphere right from the beginning. I also try to learn the students' names as quickly as possible.
