Each student will be different one way or another and the instructor should be able to adjust to the situation and identify the factors that are involved
Kathleen,
Thank you for the example of how an instructor can miss the mark and alienate students just as what happened to you. This is something that all instructors need to keep in mind as develop their instructional plans.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An essential part of retention is making the students feel they are involved. Each student must feel connected to the instructor, the material and the class. As with anything in life if we don't connect we lose interest. I remember taking group golf lessons for women. It was an open group for all levels of golfers. I was a beginner, the instructor focused on improving the advanced golfers and the beginner and intermediate level golfers quit because we did not feel connected and did not understand.
I believe the human factor is important. However, I have wondered when does this extreme care and concern become more of a liability. Isn't there a fundamental difference between group support or therapy and being a professiional. Aren't we in danger of mixing our roles in the classroom? I am concerned that our caring as instructors becomes meeting our own needs for friends and support rather than a service to students? Am I simply wrong about this?
Yes, I agree. One the the strategies our instructors here try to use is to take a little time to make sure the students understand how each course applies to their major and the skills they are trying to learn. If I have a class of mixed majors, I make sure to point out some portions of the material that directly applies to them and ask them to come up w/ other ways I have not mentioned in order to engage them.
The human factor is ultra important to retention. Students who believe they are cared about will want to be with those who care. It is extremely relevant for the instructor to get to know their students so that they can have a better understanding of what many of the students are dealing with in addition to school. Letting the students know that we are aware they have a lot to 'juggle' with life, studies, and even attendance will allow them to know we are human and want to do our part to help them reach their goals. Just a little extra time with a student might be all they need to feel appreciated.
No one in any situation whether a student, a client or a friend is going to be "retained" unless they feel important and relevant. An instructor must know the names of students and know how to pronounce them correctly. Some schools provide lists prior to class. At times, I may even call someone with an unusual name so I know how to pronounce it correctly. One of the capsules talks about associating each student with a special event or activity. When everyone introduces each other the first day of class, I always write down something for each student. I also have them give me a list of potential guest speakers they might know for class and write an editorial on something they are passionate about. It gives me something to tie into the student throughout the term.
Michelle,
I agree with you about the human factor in student success. It is hard when we lose a student even after we have worked so hard to keep him/her engaged. So that I don't become to overwhelmed at the loss of a student I focus my energy of the remaining students and enjoy their success along with with. I have to keep in mind that for some students the easiest thing to do is fail and quit. Success brings responsibility and choices and some students don't want either even if they have the ability.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
i believe that the human factor is the number one goal in retention. i have a hard time caring to much, sometimes i feel as if i want this for them more than they do. what are your suggestions?
I found this module to be interesting. I have a terrible habit of not knowing everyone's name, even late in the term. It's something I plan to work on.
I really like this point becuase some instructors forget about this important factor in their class.
Knowing that many students have a lot going on in their lives outside of school can be very important. Trying to make students feel as thought class is not just another stress to be added to life, but a place they want to come and they can enjoy the process of learning with very little added stress is key, especially to student retention.
Wendy,
Yes, you do. The key is to keep balance in all of your efforts so you are able to be the learning leader as you work through the different needs of students.
Gary
I very much agree with this statement Terry. Some students have so much baggage they are carrying around that when thwe come to class they should feel they can at least put the bags down for awhile. They should not feel that school, or class is adding to the baggage.
The human factor is a very important part of student retention, because no one wants to feel they are just another number. If you are mindful to respect, and acknowledge each student then they feel as though they are are part of their learning process, and will want to coming to class even on those when they may not be at their emotional peek. This gives them something to look forward to.
I like what was said. If we can make school a great place to be and they feeled valued, their self esteem will go up; what a gift we have given to them and the world.
The human factor is important in regards to student retention but above all, it is important to overall human relationship. You need to treat everyone as an individual and know how and when to deliver empathy/sympathy. Students can take advantage of you, if you're a softy and you have got to know when enough is enough. You have to learn to harden yourself but still remember the feeling side. It can be tough...
I have come to realize in a short amount of time teaching, the human factor part of teaching is a big part of the overall job. YOu really do not have a choice to decide whether you want to take part in it or not. Not saying that I do not because it is part of my nature. But sometime, a lot of personal problems of students can start to be overwhelming when you multiply by 10, 20 or 30 people. You just do and give as much as you can...
The human factor is of gre4at importance. Many students have much on their plates and feeling a sense of calm and caring motivates them to continue on in a class.
Students want to feel a part of something larger than themselves and that their contribution matters. If you can make students perceive that they have control over their education they will stay involved.
