The human factor is very important in student retention. Students need to know that they have someone away from home that is going to care for them as much or more than someone at home will. This makes students feel comfortable and "safe" in the learning environment.
The human factor is extremely important in retention. Students need to feel as if they are not just a number. The more they feel people care about them and their education, the more they will want to put forth.
As adult educators one must be caring at all times and show the students that they are not wasting their time and they are valued as individuals in the class. There are always opportunities to encourage students to be successful and continue the program so they may reach their goals. Not all adults have come to post-secondary school for the same reasons. It is important to maintain a non-threatening environment so the student will be able to reach their full potential.
David,
I like your comfortable soft approach to helping students solve challenges that might take them out of school. You are doing in such a way that you are building rapport with them in such a way that they have confidence in your knowledge and respect for your attention to their needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have had students in the same situation, unfortunately more than once. Illness and lack of insurance or a doctor also comes up often. Obviously you can't and shouldn't discuss this during class. Many times students don't know there are programs such as food pantries or programs to help them with a place to live and employment. I found it the easiest to start a conversation about their problem and programs available casually instead of the intimidation of a formal meeting, and most of the time end up walking over and introducing them to the person on campus who can help them without any embarassment.
Shawna,
Good for you. You are helping them resolve life issues and challenges through the referrals you are making so they can focus on bettering themselves. This is so important and I know your students value the effort you are putting forth.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I also teach students who may be sleeping in their car because they have no home. So teaching them to put personal issues aside can be near impossible. But, offering them resources to find aid and treating them with respect and privacy helps the issue. I always remember to encourage them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Marla,
You have used three very important words in relation to teaching-care-concern-support. These three are such a part of both student and teaching success because all those involved respect that each student is valued.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
For the most part humans in general respond better if they feel their is care/concern/support in their endeavors. The "If you don't care, why should I care" attitude comes to mind. If a student feels their is no real care or concern from the instructor then they are more likely to give up when times/subjects get too difficult or overwhelming.
It is also important to have a team player atmosphere. Students supporting each other will also provide a drive/motivation for them to finish what they started. If they are struggling with a specific topic then they can turn to each other for guidance if a peer is strong in that particular area.
Very important. Yes it is important to get to know there name on day one but getting to know something about them is even bigger. Showing them that you care about them, who they are. That you are truly interested in them.
Mary,
Right you are. So important to the continued success of our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I consider this to be my number one priority in teaching a class. There is no way that you could effectively teach any class or transfer any piece of knowledge without first recognizing the human aspect of your students.
Sandra,
Thank you for bringing this up. It is so important to create a personal connection with students. The "human factor" is a critical element in teaching so the more we can personalize our connections with them the better.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is very important . As an instructor we need to ralize these students are people first. As I get to know them I try to remeber things about them, such as maybe one of their children wasn't feelingwell, mom was sick, or grandma has moved in with them. I think when we treat them like we would want to be treated it makes them feel as though someone really does care about them as a person and they see we are the same.
Human Factor plays major role in Retention.I always put myself in the place of student and act.Empathy and patience help in retention.
Saroj Patel
Barbara,
As a result of your attitude the students are going to become excited about having the chance to be a part of a class that has both application and relevance to it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel learning should be a privledge and not a duty or job that has to be done. so I as an instructor try to remember that before each course I teach to keep it fun and active. Also, to keep the students wanting to know what will we be doing next.
William,
It sure does. It sounds like it wouldn't but the physical act of writing the problem down and then discarding it for a period of time really helps the students to focus on the course content for that day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Many times students come to classes with many other burning issues in their minds. It is very helpful, if you sense their preoccupation, that you have an activity such as allowing them to write down on a piece of paper all of the many things that are "bothering them" at the time. When finished, they are asked to crumble the papers and pitch them into a waiting trash can, so symbolically they have thrown away their problems for a time and now maybe the learning can more readily begin. And it works!
Very important. Students need to know we care. Many are coming from enviroments or past work experiences that have clearly told them noone cared. I have found first hand that by doing this, I was the first person in a students life who has shown them caring. Some students families and friends or even current employers arent supportive of the decision to come to school. We must start with the human factors first and the rest will start to fall into place.
