Retention and the uninvolved student
If we have done as much as we can to recognize the student and individualize their learning, and the student is not involved or dedicated to the material for what ever reason, how do you resolve that within yourself? Do you ever take it as a personal failure?
I have a really hard time when a student is not able to get the information or overall goal that is being delivered - I often fight inside myself about what I could have done better - I have offered time & time again my assistance to my students for review &/or extra help - but as you all know only a few take you up on your offer
James,
I can appreciate your challenges as they relate to student success. I have spent a lot of my career trying to help at risk learners to become successful not only in school but in life. Have had many great results but have also lost a lot of students along the way. The big point is that somewhere along the way each individual students has to internalize the fact that he or she wants success and a future. Until they get that burning desire it is going to be tough for them. Efforts need to be made to help them see that they have voluntarily enrolled in a post secondary setting to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for life success. In the end then success rests with them along. Supports can be provided and accommodations made but they must "want" success in spite of the many distractions and challenges they have to over come. Certainly not easy but is possible. Keep up the good work you are doing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One unfortunate reality that I have come to realize is that there are some students whose personal lives are so filled with impediments that cumulatively those impediments often will impact the education of even the bright and motivated. Sometimes the impact is failure of this particular effort at obtaining higher education. Remarkably I have seen some bear even failure, return at a later time, and do much better. I guess the point is that sometimes the lack of involvement is a result of factors beyond the students control. Most of our students rely on public transportation, lacking access to a vehicle. Many are single parents, with little or no support systems to allow them to attend school when a child is sick or the child's school is not in session. Some are caring for elderly or sick family members, who often face unexpectant demands that force their schedules to be set aside.
The ones I would like some suggestions on would be those who's cultural background has not supported the value of sustained effort, self motivations and accomplishing goals. I see some very bright potential stars are fall by the wayside with learned behaviors that undermine their educational experience.
Anna,
This is what good class management is about. As the learning leader you have to maintain control of the discussion so everyone feels comfortable contributing to the class discussions. You are doing such by having the louder students to step it down a bit so the "shy" students can share their input.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes I find that it's necessary to ask the "leaders" or louder students to give the other students the chance to express their knowledge. Often they know it, they are being drowned out.
Linda,
When I started teaching I felt the same way you did. I was going to save them all and I didn't which made me sad but was also a good lesson I had to learn. I give it my best but in the end it is up to the student to make the choice to be successful or fail and they get to enjoy or deal with that choice as they move through life.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Quetittia,
The key is for you to feel that you have done all you can to get these students involved. Yes, we do lose some and that always makes be sad but it is up to them to put forth the effort to be successful and if they don't then they live with the consequences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My Program Director told me years ago, that I can't save EVERY student. I didn't accept that at first. Since then I have come to learn that not everyone will have the motivation to grasp what we as Instructors have to offer. I give my best as much possible and focus on the students who want success, and a better future.
No i don't. I feel if i've done all that I can do to ignite the fire of an uninvolved student and they do not want to possess the passion to be successful in my classes then I tell them this class may not be for them. Some withdraw and some change their ways and habits!
Tim,
I have had that same question asked of me many times over the years. I teach from 4 until 10 pm so my students are there for the most part because they want to be. There are always some that are there for some reason that is never really clear to them or me. It is an honor to be able to go to school or at least it was for me, since I come from a background where I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school, due well college.
When I encounter such students I talk with them individually and try to get a fix on their problems so I can be supportive of their efforts. If they don't respond and don't put forth any effort then I give them the grade they earn as well as encourage them to get out of the class and seek something that they are will to invest in, because it is obvious they are not willing to invest in their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, Students must take responsibility for their own actions. I would have believed that career college students have a goal in mind and are more focused, but this is not always the case. I currently have a night student who always has the same question, "when will we get out tonight". This is very frustrating to me.
Roy,
Given that we teach the same course we tend to attract the same type of students and inevitably we get one or two that enrolled because their parents gave them the school or job ultimatum or school as a means to receive assistance or even a government stipend. It's easy to feel that sometimes we care more about their education than they do, sometimes we actually do.
What I've found is that if you make it personal for these students they sometimes come around. For example, I have a student in his third term who told me that he was attending school just to receive his stipend from the military and that he had no intention of working in the field because he preferred "alternative revenue streams". He also has a young son. I've used this knowledge to show him how much better his son's life could be if dad had a real job and career after the stipend goes away six months from now.
Christina,
Many years ago I began instructing. I wanted ALL my students to succeed and still do. However, students have choices, they look at the instructor and say you can't possibly know "how bad they have it". I shared my personal struggles to get to where I am today with these particular students. I showed the students that it is possible to work through issues and become successful IF they want it bad enough. Over the years I have learned, I can't want this more than the student. In the begining, I did take it personally. Students must take responsibility for their own future. I, as an instructor , can't do it for them...they have to want it.
Roy,
How do you work with such students as you attempt to get them engaged? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You to say there are some student just in class to take up time
CHRISTINA,
I don't though I am always sad because I never want to lose even one student. What you have to do is to look toward to your successes. Out of the 35 students, 34 of them learned a lot and moved closer to their career goals. Never lose site of that. Remember that the failed student chose that path due to a variety of reasons such as lack of effort, self discipline, or dedication. Focus on your the positives that have come out during the course and move on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
