By paying attention to what is working and what isn't from your past classes and taking notes in order to do it differently this time. In addition to paying attention to how students respond to you from day one.
Many of the techniques in this lesson are excellent ways to understand why a student stays or leaves the school. Greeting a student at the classroom door, learning their name as quickly as possible and then using their name when interacting with them, providing positive and meaningful feedback are all ways to indicate that you care about the student and their education.
Hi JoAnn,
Good to hear about the new strategies you have learned and will be incorporating into your classes. This is going to help take you to the next level in your professional development.
Gary
Instructors can learn more about effective retention strategies by taking workshops on how to increase attention. I learned several things in Module 2 and that it is very important to give each student personal attention. A different approach is used in an online environment vs. traditional classes. I think the key to personal attention is to take a few minutes to send each student an email after the first week and then maybe the 3rd week giving them the status on their work and also encouragement to finish the course. Also, if a student is not submitting assignments, then that student needs to be contacted right away.
Hi Raj,
I agree with your comments about the need for instructors to stay current with their field and instructional delivery. By doing so you will enhance both your efficiency and effectiveness as an instructor.
Gary
I feel it is essential for all instructors to continue to explore and actively seek information that can assist them with student retention. However, we know that student retention can be greatly increased when instructors are aware of the learning community that they are teaching in and when educators set clear and realistic goals for their students.
Yes I agree, being available to discuss any concerns the students have.
Hi Candice,
Right you are about how we need to keep the students engaged from the very beginning. As the course progresses it is easy for them to wear down and become discouraged. It is at that point it is easy for them to drop out.
Gary
If the students feel valued and actually like coming to class, they will continue to show up. Once they get bored or truly do not feel like they belong in a school setting, they will withdraw.
We as instructors have to take a look at who our class is composed of. We need to gauge how they will learn best. If they are young, we need one approach. If they are more mature, and have lots of job experience, we need to look at that and change our approach.
Some of the strategies I have found is to first establish a trusting relationship with my students. Students need to understand that the instructor is on their side and their advocate to help them achieve their educational goals. Establishing trust first is a great way to determine the needs and motivations of the students. Students are more apt to open up to the instructor to share their needs and wants.
Another strategy that I have found successful is to simply ask the student what they hope to gain from the course and then have a conversation with them on establishing goals to achieve this objective.
Hi Samone,
This is very true. What are some strategies you have found successful that helps you to understand the needs and motivation of your students?
Thanks in advance for you input on this.
Gary
I was an adult learner also returning to college many years after graduating from high school. The need to feel accepted and part of the class discussion is very important and that your views and life experiences can contribute positively to the entire class.
Understand the needs and motivations of each student.
When you begin your classes you can start incorporating retention strategies into the classroom. Knowing the students names, presenting a safe environment in which to learn and interacting with students beginning with day one. As the class progresses, feedback is always a plus, letting students know you are available for them when they need you for any reason, treat everyone the same and include every student in your discussions and activities in the classroom. Be fair and caring and know when to make diversions by being aware of student body language, seeing that glazed look in their eyes indicating they have had enough lecture and need some activities to rejuvenate them away from talking and incorporating some actions. Address their concerns and let them participate in some of their own educational assignments by giving choices or asking for suggestions. Retention strategies will be obvious if the students have a good attendance rate, are calm in the classroom and are actually enjoying the class.Success in learning the material and getting acceptable grades means they are putting forth effort to learn the material for each course. When I get postive feedback from the students, and I observe their behaviors and progression through the class I know I have effective retention strategies. If there is a problem in any area, then it is time to alter the way in which it was presented and address the situation, change it and move forward.
The instructor can become aware of retention strategies by talking to each student daily, then listening to students responses and tone. Once the instructor has a feel for the individual students demeanor a strategy can be developed.
Hi Susan,
Good points about how to establish yourself as an instructor. The wider your abilities are to expose students to different instructional deliveries the greater opportunity you are going to have to keep them engaged and focused on the course.
Gary
I agree, but not just being there. Students are checking you out as you teach the class. They get a sense of whether you are approachable, kind and caring. If you dont exude that during course lectures they wont come to you if they need to discuss something no matter if you are early to class or stay after class.
By viewing past evidences of what works. More engaging you are as an instructor the interest the students will have. The more you are able to provide personal assistance and really show that you care whether they learn or not the better chance you will have with student retention. Good customer service is key. Everyone wants to feel that they belong, are valued.
This relates back to module 1. You must actively assess your students on a daily basis. If you are showing respect and genuine concern for the individual, you will have the majority of the battle settled. Reassurance and encouragement are paramount, especially so in the career college environment. I deal with middle to low-income students that pretty much have no other alternative for training in this subject matter.
