the human factor in retension
I see this as the most important factor in retension.. it shows caring and concern not just from a student in a seat more torwards the students in your heart.
Hi Suzette,
Good quote. Thanks for sharing it with us. It is very true and we need always remember it when when go into the classroom.
Gary
I learned a phrase a few years ago that seems to apply to all students, no matter their age. It goes like this, "students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." If they know you are invested in their being successful, they will run through brick walls for you.
I agree. When the students feel that you are more personable, they're more willing to participate. They seem to let their guard down & be more open to constructive criticism.
Hi Mitchell,
You make a very good point about the role instructors play in the lives of students that are coming back to school after being out for a number of years.
These folks have encountered many life challenges and are seeing their classes as being their future. Anything we can do to help support them in their efforts will help them to see themselves in their future careers.
Gary
Hi Maria,
So simple yet so profound. Respect is earned not gifted so both the instructor and the students have to earn it from each other.
Gary
Many of my evening students are those who have said following high school, "I'm done with school forever!" and then found out that life is harder than they thought. Or, that true love they had in high school morphed into being unwed mothers with great responsibility and little income.
The class becomes a tool, a great "get-out-of-jail-free card" that enables them to rise above the poor decisions of the past and aspire to great things. We commiserate, we coach, we counsel, we cheerlead them on their way. We let them know we are in their corner. And if we don't, who will?
What you give is what you receive, this is very true in a teacher-student relationship. Give them respect and they respect you back.
I beleive the human factor can create the environment where you receive the highgest level of participation and committment from the students
I agree, and I will remember to take a step back and re evaluate how I teach to include all the human attributes that will make me a more successful instructor.
Hi Nancy,
The human factor is so important with retention. By knowing that their instructor cares about their success and is supportive of their efforts the students will be more engaged and have a higher completion rate.
Gary
