I definately agree with your post Cynthia. Being a caring instructor and understanding your students viewpoints opens a positive experience with them.
The human factor in student retention is very important in the success of an instructor. You have to display certain positive and understanding characteristics in order to understand your students.
The importance of the human factor in retention cannot be ignored. As instructors, we are trying to assure the success of "other humans" in a new career or profession. I have found that
getting acquainted and remebering certain factors about each student as well as their name is critical the first day. Then always making a point of greeting each student as they come into class each day--keeping everything as pleasantly positive as possible every day. The many different backgrounds are challenging but can also make the class very interesting if shared and accepted. Students tend to "want to stay" if possible, if they know their peers and Instructor care about their presence which does affect retention.
As an instructor in a school that admits primarily adult students from low economic means it is impossible to leave the problems on the back burner. When a student is struggling it's important to find out the real reason. They may have no income, no place to live and no food.
During the first week of class each student is not unlike on their “first date†as they are getting to know the class requirements and the instructor expectations.
By taking extra time going over student expectations of the course it sets each student up for success. I allow students to ask questions and to even challenge the way their assignments are graded. I treat questions and comments with respect and acknowledge the contributions each student makes to the class.
The human factor is very important in retention. If your student feels like a number instead of a person, it may really make them feel insignificant. Then they make take a "what makes the difference" attitude about staying in school.
Thomas,
Good information for all instructors to remember. We need to always be student centered in our approach. The more we are the greater rapport we are going to have with our students.
Gary
You must connect with your students on an individual basis. You cannot look at students as subjects. Since I have all day lab assignments, this is the time that I can talk with individuals one on one, and it is enjoyable to see them make progress through encouragement. Usually in the classroom setting it is somewhat more difficult to do this, but I still strive to focus on each student in any way I can. It is difficult to make inroads with students if you aren't focused on their needs, since each student's needs are different.
Justine,
This is a very important point in dealing with adult learners. They need to be respected for their life experiences and what they bring to the classroom. If they see they have respect from the instructor they will return respect back to the instructor and this sets the stage for a positive class environment.
Gary
It's important for the instructor to treat the students as people and not as inferior beings. The instructor can be a leader and role model without having an attitude that they are "better" than the students. Students like instructors that are respectful to them and show a genuine interest in their education and goals. When this relationship is established, students are more likely to come to class, to ask questions, and to succeed.
Lauren,
Student respect and rapport are important for learning success. Knowing the instructor cares about them goes a long way with students.
Gary
The Human factor is very important when it comes to student retention. Students must feel they are respected and valued as people. If they know we genuinely care about them and their success in the course (and field) they will feel more comfortable and supported in the learning environment. They will also be more confident in their ability to succeed and more comfortable approaching us as instructor's with doubts, questions and concerns.
It is important that your students know that you care about each student's successes. Students attend classes that have an instructor that care.
Stephanie,
Right you are. If a student doesn't feel accepted or comfortable in the class then it is going to be very hard to get that individual engaged.
Gary
I feel that it is one of the most important items in retention because if a person doesnt feel comfortable in the learning environment it will be hard for them to want to stay regardless of their success.
It is very important. We as educators want the students to know that we care about each and every one of them! Alot of them feel we are just here for the paycheck. I know that I am devoted to helping my students achieve success!
The human factor is extremely important in student retention because if a stuent knows that you the instructor sincerely cares about them and their education it makes them look forward coming to class even when they dont want to sometimes. i have a student that went through some personal family problems, I worked with her in keeping up with class assignments and also made a personal phone call to check on her while still informing her of the sttendance policy. The next day the student brought me flowers and said thank you, its the little things you do that keep me here. I was touched because I realized a little bit of empathy goes a long way.
The human factor is essential to retention. If instructors show that they care about their students and show an interest in directing and assisting students to reach their goals then students will return to school each day. Not only will they return but they will also advertise the school to their family and friends.
As discussed in this module, our students are our customers and we as instructors should be fair with all students and caring. In life, we return to those places where the people are pleasant and provide good service.
Human factor is important in student retention as a way to both motivate the student and the instructor. Building trust and mutual respect will encourage learning and help to open free communications between student, instructor and the class.
Instructors should treat students by the golden rule expecting the same treatment from them as the the insructor personally gives to the individual student
