As human beings I feel we all like to be treated as if we matter. Little things like calling someone by name, acknowledging their presense, words of praise..... go a long long way. I believe these things allow students to have a sense of belonging to the class and the classroom experience. It lets them know that I know them and I care about them being in the class.... that they have something to offer me and their peers.
I think the human factor is the most important part in the student retention. If students do not feel that trust and respect with the instructor, they can be in the class but they will not be aware of what is being said in it.
Students need to know that you understand "life happens". Many students are embarrassed or afraid to tel you what is REALLY going on. They often make excuses in order to drop from school.
The human factor is one of the most important factors leading to good student retention because it makes students feel like they have value and they are part of the process, not just sitting in the stands as passive onlookers. This starts day one with learning the names of each student and actively listening to what they have to say. Remembering names (in any setting) as ALWAYS been (and probably will remain) a struggle for me. During the first class it helps to engage students in conversation - using their names several times throughout the discussion and trying to find something (e.g., a visual cue) to later be able to relate the names (which are of course on the class roster) to their faces.
It is extremely important. When I have a good relationship with my students, they know I care and they stick. This is why as a program director, I always teach an introductory course. This allows me to get to know the students and they get to see me as an instructor. When returning from break time, I often turn on dance music so we can 'cut loose' a little. In this way, I am not too authoritative but can maintain my authority.
The human factor is extremely important to retention because it builds a respectful teacher student relationship. If there is respect in the classroom, students care more about the class and will care about returning to class each week. They will enjoy it more.
The human factor is everything. You need to connect to your students if there is no connect then you will not be able to assist that student reach their goals and you will not be able to earn their trusts.
When there isn't a connect learning does not take place as easily.
I teach a some technical topics and find that the individual attention paid to students helps the less academic-minded stay plugged-in to both the topics and class around them.
All humans, students, and teachers need to feel important, respected, and accepted. It is extreamy important especially in a new and unfamiliar setting.
I have found that the human factor is very important, For retention as well as confirming any challenges to grades that given.
Letting a student know that you have been in thier shoes, sets the tone that you are human also. It will also show that since you were able to achieve the knowledge of the skill that you are teaching, that they can also.
Hi Dorenda,
Well said. Empathy plays such a critical role in helping students to succeed. They need to know their instructor cares about their success and will support them as needed. This enhances the retention factor greatly.
Gary
Very! During the first day of class, and beyond when necessary, I tell students that I was and still am an adult student. I express that I know first-hand how challenging meeting assignments can be when you have day-to-day responsibilities outside the walls of our institution. I encourage them to keep their eye on graduation day and imagine the pride they will feel when holding their proof of program completion in their hands. In the meantime, all of them know that I am here for them if they need help with a problem that feels to big to overcome. Empathy in the classroom goes an long, long way; all the way to graduation day.
Hi Jacki,
Good point! This is why the human factor is a critical part of the total instructional process. Students need to know they have a caring supportive instructor.
Gary
Students love seeing something that they created in class or a picture of themselves taken by the instructor. It makes the "human factor" a little more personal in a very positive way. Students many times have a need fulfilled in the classroom that doesn't get met any other place or time in their lives.
The human factor is crucial in retention. A great instructor can makes the most boring topic (Math for many) interesting and exciting. If a student feels a sense of belonging, they are going to want to be there. There is a lot to be said for connections and the art of positive interactions with each other.
Hi Kacey,
You have a great plan for demonstrating your abilities as a caring and supportive educator. The results are your retention numbers. They speak for themselves. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I believe the Human Factor is of utmost importance in student retention. Students need to know that they are respected and valued. I try too arrive to class early each day to ensure that I am there to personally greet each student as the arrive for class. Also, I practice an open-door policy so that each student can come to me for anything. I also try to treat each student as an adult and I enforce policies consistently and fairly. It seems to be working; I have had the highest retention on my campus for 5 years.
Hi Colleen,
What a great testimony to your professionalism as an educator. The human factor is critical in being a complete instructor as evidenced by the example the student shared with you. The other instructor had the technical skills but lacked the empathy factor.
Gary
It is imperative that every student feels welcome, comfortable and encouraged. We all need positive feedback, a chance to learn from our mistakes, empathy in tough times and praise when successful. The more positive and constructive the feedback/environment, the more likely a student will attend class, work hard and persevere to reach their goal.
