Student Retention
Student retention is a different concern for the more passive student learners vs active adult learners. We as teachers need to engage with adult learners on both peer and respect levels for successful retention. This can be done through personal connections and clear, fair policies.
Sara,
I am with you in terms of feeling sad when I lose a student. I want them all to succeed but unfortunately some of them decide to fail or not put forth the effort to be successful. It is their choice and they live with the consequences. When they leave I always tell them the door is open for them to return once they get their life together and want to proceed toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree! It breaks my heart when I have exhausted every attempt to keep a student in school. A harsh reality for me, is that not all students will stay. I want all of my students to succeed. I have even told them that if it was not my program that they really don't want to be in, then by all means stay in school even if it is in a different program. I let my students know that they are all capable of anything they set their minds to.
Mike,
Your last sentence sets the tone for class success. Personal connections will enable rapport to be established and this helps the students to focus on their interaction with you. From there on it is a building process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
