Understanding Retention
Understanding Retention
What is retention with respect to education? The concept of retention is to retain or keep the learner both in class and in the Academic Institution. In the past 20 years of teaching, I must first observe that retaining a student within a given class at all costs can both compromise the integrity of the institution as well as the success of the learner. In some cases, it is best for the learner to wait until a following semester to complete a course. Class retention is some cases can actually result in an institutional loss of the learner.
When might this happen? In some cases, students need to take a break. Perhaps a student has lost a relative or friend to death or suicide (which has happened in my classes). Perhaps a student has received a work promotion that requires focus and time for success. In some cases, it is best to tell a student whom asks that it is absolutely OK to wait out a term or to take fewer classes until they are ready to get back up to speed. Otherwise, retention at all costs in the current class might result in a loss of that student from the entire program.
Similarly, there are cases in which a student simply chooses not to complete the class requirements. While instructors might offer phone calls, emails, special late extensions, etc, there are cases in which a learner in not able to complete a class. In this case, rather than negatively affecting the integrity of the Academic Institution by allowing a learner to complete an entire class in the last week, it is best to suggest that the student repeat the class. Learning and achieving career goals is important and should not be compromised.
In most cases, however, retention can be as simple as sending a motivational email, contacting a learner who has not been in class for a few days, or offering a special small extension for cases of brief illness or life-related incidences.
Most students want to succeed and want to remain in class. We as instructors can certainly help them to do both.
Knowing our learners can help us to help them – in all cases.
James,
This is a good attitude to have. Keeping all that you are doing student centered will yield good results for your students and you will know you are impacting lives.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Retention has been an issue that has recently become harder to deal with. So many students have issues outside of school that just were not so common 10 years ago. Young married students with money issues. Vets returning from overseas duty.Lack of proper study skills. These are only a few. Many times these students leave school and we are not even aware they have problems. I have come to the conclusion that if I can talk to them and help 1 every so often i am doing good.
I too find retention very challenging, mostly because I find myself being exposed to information that is very personal. Sometimes school is the most stable environment a student has, and the instructor, just by being in class at a prescribed time adds to that stability.
John,
This is not uncommon. At times it is best for the student to step out of school. I always let them know that they are welcome back anytime they are ready to go to school again. This way they know they have an open door should they ever need it.
Gary
Thank you for the insights. I have tried very hard to maintain retention, but have come up against circumstances where it was in the best interest of the student and the school that the student take some time away.
Ami,
Good points, all. You have hit of some key reasons why we need to support our students, earn their respect and develop rapport with them.
New instructors will greatly benefit from reading your comments and implementing them into their instructional planning. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Gary
