Student retention is one of the most important issues facing higher education today. With one-third of college students dropping out of school each year, it's a topic universities across the country have noticed, but few have found a workable solution to the problem. Admissions offices are already stretched to the breaking point, budgets are tight across the board, and developing and instituting a feasible student retention program can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
An instructor can have efective retention strategies by focusing on the wants and needs of individual students in the classroom.
All good advice. I look to more experienced instructors for strategies that have worked and I try to make sure that the material I present is relevant to the students' career objectives. I try to find examples of this relevancy.
I think that making the topics easy to understand and intresting at the same time leaving a little "stay tuned for the rest" would make student intrested to stay and imbrace the suspance.
This is a good idea Stacey. I sometimes reflect on some of my enjoyable experiences as a student and I try to make my students time enjoyable.
Instructors can begin by thinking of "factors" within their own educational experiences that they enjoyed as well as reflecting on those less-than-enjoyable experiences as well. Many instructors can probably remember those moments in class where the instructor was far from effective, and it's important to think about what went wrong. Also, think of the good facilitators and teachers we've had and what made those teachers effective, and made students WANT to come to class. Additionally, if instructors strive to keep a balance between teaching the class and facilitating the class, it tends to put the learning back in the students' hands, which allows students to take ownership. Students don't want to quit on something they are invested in.
I think that instructors can become aware of effective retention strategies by working along with the entire team at the individual school. It makes everyone accountable for the students success.
Networking is a great tool for anyone. By associating with others in the field, you can share experiences relevant to the situations.
BY sharing ideas with other instructors who have retentions issues in their classes. By attending in-services at work on student retention. By working through strategies that were presented in your class sessions. What works best for me is daily ongoing communication with my students. Building an open comminication in class and on the phone when a student is absent, call them to show that you are concern about why they missed class. Share resourses with those students who have needs outside the classroom like transportation. housing, daycare services etc. My students come in with many situations all of which would make them have second thoughts about staying in school when things go bad. i try to do everything possible to encourage them and remind them why they enrolled in school. Of course, for a better life.
Rick this seems like a very good idea!
I believe it is important to create a student centered and comfortable learning environment that will challenge the student's intellect. I also believe that the start of having successful retention rates, educators need to make sure orientation activities are centered at making the students comfortable when they come to campus on the first day.
At the end of the semester I ask for feedback for the overall course, and because of the relationship I build with students, they know and understand that I am looking for both positive and negative feedback
If instructors study the back-grounds of their students, and ask them about their career goals on the first day, they can plan their lectures to fit all studnets
A course such as this one is a wonderful opportunity to learn effective retention strategies. Otherwise, profesional organizations or discussion forums. Mentorship prgrams are also helpful.
Hi Dayle,
This is a very good question that each career college and instructor has to collectively answer. Students enroll in programs for which they have no interest so they are hard to motivate and please in terms of instruction. These students need to be referred to the Students Services Office for career counseling. If is unfair to the other students, you the instructor and them to remain in the class if they really don't want to be there.
Another criteria for accreditation is placement. If a student is retained even if he/she is not doing the work or attending classes they will not be available for placement. Retention and placement go hand in hand in terms of successful programs. If a program is not producing well educated and training graduates it won't be long before the employers won't hire them.
So instructors need to do all they can to keep students engaged and progressing in their programs but if the student doesn't put forth the effort then it is time for them to leave or enroll in a program that interests them.
Gary
Surveying the students for feedback is great and is implimented but I have a question in reference to some students that just hard to please? In any institution we want students retention but I have had students in some of my classes that are so hard to motivate and retain-I question if they are in the right program. An example: student missed many classes, was given extra time to complete assignments and still did not complete them. Just how much as instructors are we to do? Dayle Brian
Ask the students what worked and what did not. Experiment with different activities and lecture styles.
Hi Lora,
I use my own evaluation form as well. We have the standard one for the college but it is so generic that it is of little value. My form lets me get feedback in the areas that I want so I can get a more accurate picture of what is going on in my course and make improvements, changes or adjustments as needed when I teach the course again.
Gary
Instructors can become aware of effective retention strtegies for use in their classes learn students weakness and strengths , build , support and listen to them
