Hi Esther,
Absolutely! It takes the entire school to handle retention!
Patricia Scales
Everyone. From the time the student enters your school doors and is greeted by the receptionist until the students has successfully complete's the course all All are "Key Players".
Ms. Scales.
What a great question and concern by all instructors teaching now in this economic situation we are currently in.
Everyone is truly a key player from the Receptionist at the door, to the Admissions, to the Financial Aid Advisors, to the instructors and adjuncts. However, it's of course not as easily accomplished, but for sure can be done. Takes a lot of effort, great listening skills, patience, being humble, kind, considerate and communicating clearly, consistently.
Every experience for keeping students enrolled throughout their programs should be with much kindness, simplified instructions, keeping in touch with your new enrollees, offering tutoring, reaching out, trying other teaching methods, etc.
Student retention is paying attention to perhaps even in a student's tone of question, facial expession, a gesture, a lack of response to or consistent engagement with out students. Recognizing all of these key factors as this course states over and over... we truly have different learning techniques; and as instructors we need to hone on this and work with our students. Positive energy brings positive results. Giving feedback....instructors willing to teach differently and creatively than the norm.
Hi Michael,
I concur! It is simple. Everyone is responsible for retention.
Patricia Scales
Retention is everyone's responsibility.
Hi Teresa,
Retention is definitely campus wide. Everyone plays a vital role when it comes to retention.
Patricia Scales
Hi Joseph,
I concur! Family can certainly help with retention. I have seen nonsupportive family members that have hurt retention.
Patricia Scales
Student retention is a campus wide responsibility. All staff members must present clear information about expectations and requirements.
I believe it is key that everyone in the student's life plays a role. The instructor is a key part of it. By guiding, advising, listening and teaching. But, the student's family members, friends, and co-workers play valuable roles as well.
Hi Lito,
You are right! Retention is everyone's role, however the brunt of retention does fall on the instructor. The instructor has to make the student want to return the next day.
Patricia Scales
The key players include everyone at the school who deals directly or indirectly with students; from the admissions rep who answered the prospective student's inquiry to the receptionist who welcomed the student on their first visit to the school,the financial aid officer, administrative staff, directors (academic, campus, department/program, student services, career services), instructors,registrar. Since the instructors spend the majority of the time with students, there is more significance to the quality of interaction, learning process,academic progress, and the overall student's learning experience in the classroom, therefore more emphasis should be placed in education including faculty training such as ED209.
Hi Sandra,
I agree 100%, and I have seen this happen! We must do an effective job to engage our students to want to make them to continue to come every day.
Patricia Scales
The instructor is the key player. If the instructor does not keep the student interested in the subject, the student will get board and quit.
Hi Lori,
You have it! Retention is everyone's responsibility.
Patricia Scales
Hi Justin,
Absolutely! Retention is not one person's job. It is everyone's job!
Patricia Scales
Every single person that the student comes in contact with is responsible for this. Every single employee plays a part in the student’s successful navigation through the program. Ultimately they have the most interaction with their instructors but every department needs to have Educational Hospitality at the forefront.
Instructors do have the most direct interaction with the students, but it is a team effort. Every department has their role in the student's success.
It is definitely a group effort. From the time the student starts in admissions until the time they graduate, we all have a part in keeping them here. The student needs to feel the support of the whole team.
Hi Carl,
I agree! Atmosphere and the appearance of the facility are important as well.
Patricia Scales
One thing about Retention that is left out of these discussions is the building. Buildings should be inviting, comfortable seating and decent lighting, computers that work, clean carpets and bathrooms. I have taught in many institutions while it starts with instructors, and advisors, deans, etc., the atmosphere for learning has to be up to par as well.
