Hi Jennifer,
These methods are both fun and engaging plus they challenge students. This will help to keep them engaged in the class and looking forward to the next situation you come up with.
Gary
yes, try different retention techniques see which ones work the best and more effective and implement them in your lesson plan
By practicing different review methods. Evaluating my students on a one on one basis.
One effective retention strategy I've used in the classroom is I use some TPI (The Pacific Institute) activities about once a week. This breaks up the norm of the class day. Gets the students thinking outside of the box. For example, Stuck in traffic - what would you do if you're stuck in traffic going to a meeting/work? what if there was a million dollars on the line to get to that meeting/work? The different responses from each class can be comical. The students really seems to like it.
Instructors can take courses such as this to increase their retention. They can speak with seasoned veterans to find out winning strategies.
Hi Jeannine,
This has been my experience as well. This is so important if the students are going to get settled into the course and stick with it until completion.
Gary
From my experience, if you make all students feel comfortable in the classroom, have them aware of what is expected of them, and praise their accomplishments they build a sense of trust in themselves and in me as their instructor. Also, anytime a students has a problem, whether it pertain to school or family life, I offer advice. If students know you care about them on a human basis, not only as a student, they are more likely to complete the course.
I think there are several ways to learn new retention strategies. In my opinion and experience the best one I have found is to model and immulate a successful instructor. Ask questions, observe them in the class room, ask for their feedback, and what they find succesful
Know your students! Take the time to understand where each student is coming from. This takes work! But its worth it on Grad night:)
Retention is an ongoing struggle. At my school, students face no entrance exam and so my composition course is a gateway course by necessity. Some students approach the course with learned helplessness and others simply lack the confidence that they can do well. A few cannot do well because they lack the basic skills and discipline to succeed at the college level -- again, because there is no entrance examination for placement. I am continually striving to find ways to encourage and scaffold struggling students and to provide strategies for students who do not have the basic skills to continue. I share best practices with my colleagues and try to stay current in the literature.
Training and faculty development are ways to generate awareness of retention strategies. Also, I feel retention is intrinsic with instructors needing to possess empathy, communication skills, and a desire for students to succeed.
Amy Branch
assessing where students are at the beginning , middle and towards the end of class should give you an indication if you are in danger of losing them
Canvas the students on their specific needs and make an honest effort to meet those needs. This is often appreciated by adult learners. I find that they respond very well to teachers they believe care about them and respect them as a person.
I personally try to bring as much interesting fun facts as possible to the class room that pertains to the topic of study. In doing so my class will then engage with each other as well as myself and it can break the manotiny of a tense class room. When the student feel at ease they will feel free to ask questions and retain more information.
I feel that the instructor must always spend time with thier class
Focus on each individual student and their needs. Help students find what learning style works best for them.
We have meeting with our instructors to brainstorm retention strategies.
I have always asked the student or students " have you secured an externship yet?" This always leads into several conversations that are very benificial. In most cases and times each student will drive toward a new higher level after these conversations.
I agree with Carol,
Getting to know the student as a person is very important in student retention. You do not have to get emotionally involved, however when you remember to ask how a loved one is doing, or how was the meeting, it makes the student feel like you know them and they are more than just another student in the class.
as instructor we should make class hour informative and intresting with a little curiosity.
student will be intrigued in finding out the end of the lesson, module year.
