Retaining Students
As instructors it is very important to try to retain our students. Retaining are students doesn’t mean to be friend with them and that’s where many instructor goes wrong is trying to be friends with students. As this course states there’s many factors which influence the student’s beliefs. Create a non-threatening environment
• Start each class with an overview
• Be well-prepared and ready to begin
• Provide a brief outline of your lesson or lecture notes
• Help students to learn based on what they already know (constructivism). Students appreciate a great instructor with a sense of humor not a friend
Hello. Leadership by example is something we can apply to all our classroom endeavors. It includes how we put forth expectations, answer questions, handle discipline, maintain order and good atmosphere among members of the group. We can even lead by example on basic work habits, cleanliness, etc. This may lend a feeling that students are learning professionalism from a professional.
There is a difference between friend and friendly. Learning about your students personally enhances the connections made in class, but must be kept at a healthy arms-length. Holding the line for class policies and maintaining an engaging atmosphere are critical components of retaining students. It is when disorder and lack of direction creep in that we lose students to apathy.
Bob, you are correct for a given population of your students. For others however they may need more of your guidance and mentorship in order to get to a level of autonomy. The myth is in the words Adult Education as this implies that all of our students of a certain age are mature adults. The reality is you are as likely to encounter 38 year old adolescents as you are to encounter 28 year old adults. Maturity is not a factor of age as much as it is a mental condition. Some of your students are ready for a level of autonomy while others will require more of your attention and efforts. Part of your task as an instructor is to know your students and determine their needs and then deliver your curriculum to meet them at their level of maturity. Shoot back with your own ideas here, I am interested in your comments and the comments of others. We all learn through a sharing of ideas. : - )
James Jackson
Retaining students is a process - not an act. It begins with loyalty that gives the student the investment and ownership of the situation and leads to their being autonomous in their decision-making and giving their time, energy and effort to making the decisions necessary for success. I am a huge believer in the process that works for the student beingone that the student can choose and guide for him/herself.
Thomas, leading by example is a critical skill that all instructors need to follow. Very well stated here.
James Jackson
Cynthia, looks like a great process and one others should follow. Your techniques also go a long way towards building professional relationships with your students which is also key to student persistence.
James Jackson
I agree. I see many instructors become friends with students on Facebook. I think there is a line that must be drawn between instructor and friend to be able to teach effectively.
I believe in being organized, on time, and ready to begin the lesson when class starts. I am surprised how many students talk about how disorganized some instructors are. It adds to student motivation when the instructor is motivated and enthusiastic.
I couldnt agree more. I have witnessed the effects of instructors trying to be freinds with the students rather than a mentor. This never has a positive outcome for the learner.
As an instructor I create an enviorment that is challenging yet fun and encouraging to my students. I get to know my students enough to see where there may be roadblocks for them but never enough to make them feel I want to be there best friend. I try to help them as much as I can to look beyond these obstacles and remind them that being in class is part of going beyond them. I put up a great lesson plan on a board daily to start class and wrap up the class reviewing it, and then talking about the next day. I think getting them excited about the next day helps to keep them coming back.
