Round about the time the school does student evaluations, I have developed my own evaluation which I give to my students. It can be written just about any way I need but I include things such as: what do you like best about the class? what do you like the least? what would you like to see more of? How would you do this or that? I used this first time out and got very open and honest answers - and then I put their suggestions to work! Great results!
I employ several strategies. First, I gauge the students' grasp of the lecture material during class sessions and alter my delivery "on the fly" to make the subject matter more understandable and relevant to meet the learning styles of each of my students. Secondly, I provide one-on-one instruction, when necessary, during lab time so that the students can take theory and put it into practice, thereby reinforcing concepts learned in class. Thirdly, I arrange off-campus visits to various shops where the students can see first hand how the technology that they're being immersed in is reflected in present day vehicle research and development. Being able to see proof of concept is quite an eye-opener for the vast majority of my students.
You have to first know your class...meaning know their names and knowing one trait or characteristic they have shared with you by the end of the class period. By doing so, you will gain respect but also have a valuable tool in your pocket. You will be able to use this tool to redirect or remotivate students who need a caring nudge from time to time. There are many techniques to bring students back to the classroom. You can play interactive games in a class where material is theory and "boring" to students. You can offer incentives for hard work. You can change your routine and method of instruction each day to keep students wanting to come back because of the anticipation of something new.
Hi Kimberly,
There are a number of methods that are gaining favor with online instructors. MaxKnowledge is bringing out a series of professional development courses targeted specially for online instructors. One EL 103 is already out and available. EL104-105-106 are coming this fall. Look them over because they contain a number of very good suggestions and strategies for retaining online students.
Gary
I think the key to student retention is to acknowledge, accept and just plain love each and every student. I am always surprised at how much I actually learn from my students every session.
I would love to hear of ways to really retain students in a strickly online environment.
Hi Mark,
You make a good point. Students do like to be told that they're doing a good job, but not when they know they really aren't. People can definitely tell when they are being snowballed and it can be really damaging to the student teacher relationship. It's always good to remember that praise and encouragement are a great tool to build rapport, but it must be authentic praise.
Liz
On the first day of class I encourage students to partner with a study buddy, exchanging phone numbers and/or emails. This helps students bond with classmates and sometimes develop a friendship during the program. When meeting with students that provide excuses for absences I am a single parent or I have 5 children, I discuss with the student that is even more reason that they need to continue in the program and that they are setting a good example for their children.
Hi
I believe that effective retention strategies begins with listening and understanding and monitoring what works. At least that is what has worked for me.
Laurie
Keep all students informed with visuals, enthusiasum,reienforcement. Have mini lectures then role play...
This is my first term teaching, so I am learning much as I go. But definitely confidence in the class. The instructor themselves plays a very important role and can settle a students nerves about a new course.
Besides this, the student seeing their own evolution in the class, positive feedback and understanding of you this will be useful to him down the line, are all true as well.
Mark, I couldn't agree with you more. As an instructor we need to be genuinely interested in the student and their needs. We as instructors can do this by giving them good sound advice and honest feed back. Giving our students first hand experiences are also very valuable.
Getting feedback from the students. Taking the time to find out what what type of lectures they like the best. I like to take the time and go over every quiz and test in class after I grade them. It gives me a chance to ask them why did we get this question wrong. What this does is really jump start a discussion and it's like you see the light bulb click on. What happens is another student will explain the topic and they just get it. While this is going on I am taking notes for future lectures.
Justin
Know each student's prersonality and what is going on with them to give them support when needed. Use effective teaching strategies to keep them engaged and interested. Reinforce good learning habits by good feedback and use positive criticism to motivate them.
I find the greatest strengths in education are found within each other. Networking amongst ourselves continues to be one of my most effective strategies. There are a variety of ways that other instructors strategize to retain students. Before I reinvent the wheel I check with as many of my contacts as possible to see which tools and methods might work for me. I also share the ones I use along with their effectivness.
I think it is important to openly discuss the quizzes, tests, etc... after the fact. Take a small amount of time to let students look them over and ask "what did you think?" They may say "that was really hard" or " I don't remember learning this or that" those respones could be helpful in deciding whether to change strategy or direction a bit so as to not make them feel overwhelmed or that they can't do well in this class.
Communication is key. I try my best to reach out to students that are falling behind. This can be done through weekly feedback on assignments or personal email. It is important that the student is aware of all resources and feels comfortable coming to the instructor with any questions. I encourage all students from to keep the lines of communication open from the start of the session. I try my best to maintain this throughout the course.
I think by starting out learnig my students names and something a little personal tells them I am interested in them both as a student and a person. This makes the class time run smoother and lets them know if they need to talk, I am always available. This helps my retention greatly.
Hi Richard,
Great strategies! Thanks for sharing them with us. I know they are going to be of help to other instructors.
Gary
I try to use these 4 ideas to help in the retention process. First - know your students - learn their names as soon as possible. Talk to them. People like to be known. Second - use a variety of teaching techniques - I teach algebra - I will do problems on the board - have them work in groups, while they are in the groups I go around to the table to see how they are doing , answer questions and most importantly make sure that every one is involved - have them do a problem on the board and then explain to the class. Some days it's all one way, other days some of each - I find out from the students what they like the best and try to do more of that type of teaching. Third - get the students involved - I've had students that are afraid to go to the board - I've used incentives like extra points - explain to them not to be concerned if you get it wrong - this is a learning process.The last thing is to keep the class as relaxed as possible - it seems to create a better teaching atmosphere. This last quarter the only students that I "lost" were two that dropped out before the end on the add/drop period. I believe these ideas have helped.
This is such a simple idea BUT I never thought of it. I'm going to talk to the other instructors at once. Thanks.
