Encouraging the students to have input and asking questions helps to ease tension.
Hi David,
Finding the instructional balance in your class is always a challenge. You make good points about how you need to find that balance as you do your planning and delivery. By keeping this in mind you will be able to adjust as you need to to keep your students engaged throughout the course.
Gary
Instructors can become aware of effective strategies by looking at previous course surveys and looking at what information the students liked and what they did not find benificial. Asking senior faculty members is always a great retension tool for the classroom. Senior instructors can tell you what has worked for them in the past and what did not work. Once in the classroom you must also do some factfinding about students previous experience. If you assume that students are experienced or have some knowledge of material, you may teach over their heads and lose interest very quickly. If you underteach students may become bored and not feel challenged.
Helping the students one on one shows them that you care and this helps to not only retain them but also to help them learn.
I have found that showing genuine concern for students goes a long way. If I notie that students are struggling or getting upset over test grades, I often talk to them during break or before class and show them their grade and how they are doing overall. Sometimes they get so frustrated with one or two tests that they think they are failing. There are so many opportunities to improve and increase their grade and I show them that it is possible. I also talk to them about their study habits (did you read the chapter? did you understand the material?) and make suggestions on improvements.
Discussing the entire quiz and explaining each question directly after each student is finished has really helped their confidence when taking the test. Grades have been higher as well
Utilizing any material related to the career course. Having guest speakers come to class to show how the students can apply what the have learned in class to their everyday experiences. The more you quiz the students on the material the more you keep them interested in the information you are teaching.
To be aware of the students goals and their personal history, enables the instructor to motivate and encourage a student to succeed. This also allows one to set realistic goals for the individual student and the class. Taking the time to talk to one's students does permit a more positive, friendly teaching environment. I think knowing their names, as quickly as possible, goes a long way.
Hi Tonya,
Sounds like you have refined your instructional delivery so you are able to create a connection with your students even though you do not see them face to face. Sounds like you really enjoy teaching and I know your students benefit from your efforts.
Gary
I teach online so I do not get to see my students face to face. However there is an introduction discussion board where students discuss their personal lives, previous educational experiences and career goals. These explanations really off me a lot of information to support my students when they are having difficulty in my class. I can use their own words to motivate them and remind them of why they are in school and taking these classes. It lets the students know that I am listening when they share their personal life with me and I care and want to see them succeed.
Hi Shawnte,
Good point. These individual counsel times are some of the most important teaching opportunities you and the student have to share. They really help to build rapport as well because you are there to provide them support as needed.
Gary
I agree, I've notice that when a students want to speak to you coming early or leaving later gives them more privacy and they feel more comfortable sharing things with you.
If a instructor we have a daily agenda, where is included "Questions and Answers" section, the students should be motivated to share and clarify concepts, increasing the students desirer to learn.
I agree with the different strategies. Not all students respond the same way and every class is a new set of strategies that need to be tried. It is not a one size fits all. I try to break the ice by explaining that we are all one family and we are in this together and that no one should hold back if they feel the need to offer input. I find that getting past the initial educational inhibitions and jumping into the facts of the course and why they are so exciting lets the students inner self appear. This makes for a comfortable learning atmosphere and has kept retention high.
Instructors can become aware of better retention strategies for use in their classes by developing ways to periodically assess the class and get feedback from the students after teaching a new concept. Sometimes I don't like to continue onto a new concept until I have an opportunity to judge how the class is reacting to the material and I can get some feedback on how they are retaining the information. I design my classes to leave room for getting feedback periodically, reiterating information, and trying to appeal to as many different kinds of learning styles as possible.
Show the students that they are committed to student success in the course by checking in with students individually. The instructor should find ways to help students find value in the material and use positive feedback when appropriate.
Hi Lisa,
Good point and one that many colleges are really working on. They are adding additional support services for their students to help the students to remain in school in spite of the challenges that might come.
Gary
Just a thought....
studies have shown that many students do not return to school because of life circumstances such as family responsibilities, conflicts with employment, financial circumstances, or new employment opportunities. Many of the respondents who cited their current life circumstances as reasons for not returning indicated they planned to return to school in the future.
Critical information on student services needs to be clearly and effectively communicated to our students. More programs available to assist students with work and family obligations, so that they may reach their academic objectives.
I agree, I've implemented many of the students ideas into the courses, it makes them feel important and included.
that is a great suggestion and i will start implementing that in my classroom
