retention
i think best method for retention is to keep the students excited and to expect quizes or new discussion forms every day and possible qifts cards after they pass their test .
Hi Brent,
Nicely stated! Students need to feel a sense of importance so that they feel they have a sense of ownership!
Patricia Scales
I worked for 9 years with a company who modified their safety program to a gift based plan versus an active participation and feedback plan. We saw a very different outcome. While the employees were excited to get their gifts the very core of the program was lost. Safety numbers continued to get worse and we hurt more people year over year from the start of the gift based program. To apply that to education, the best gift we can give to a student or employee is active involvement and a sense of ownership. If they feel that they are heard, respected and treated fairly....retention will take care of itself without the gimmicks of gifts and rewards for doing the things they should already be expected to do.
I worked for 9 years with a company who modified their safety program to a gift based plan versus an active participation and feedback plan. We saw a very different outcome. While the employees were excited to get their gifts the very core of the program was lost. Safety numbers continued to get worse and we hurt more people year over year from the start of the gift based program. To apply that to education, the best gift we can give to a student or employee is active involvement and a sense of ownership. If they feel that they are heard, respected and treated fairly....retention will take care of itself without the gimmicks of gifts and rewards for doing the things they should already be expected to do.
we give prefect attdence pins to students whom dont miss any time during the course.this seems to be working great.they do want those pins.
Hi Pamela,
Even adult learners love incentives! I give 5% for perfect attendance and 5% for participation!
Patricia Scales
I agree with those who use incentives for student motivation. I incorporate the 5% increase on grade points for perfect attendance, play games using material relevant to the subject we are discussing and the winners get a pass for some of their homework. I also make it a high priority to be in class on time and be upbeat to keep students excited.
Hi Charles,
Focusing on the importance of attendance is crucial. At my institution students are given 5% toward their overall grade if they have perfect attendance.
Patricia Scales
We have a student of the term award. It is objectively calculated through our computer database system, and is based upon grades and attendance. The student receives a gift card and name recognition in the lobby. I do not know that this has any impact on retention because the students who win would probably have done well regardless of the award. But it is still nice to acknowledge their efforts.
Explain to students how important that the information they are receiveing is and how it would be in their interest to be in class , to gain all that they can to help with their future.
Hi Justin,
I concur! Adult learners need to fully understand how they are going to benefit from the course. Once they understand the relevancy, they are sold.
Patricia Scales
I try to keep my students thinking about their future and how this project we are working on will benefit them once they enter the field. Students seem to be motiveated by relevancy. If they feel what they are learning can benefit them they usually pay attention.
I think people in general will stick with something as long as they feel good about themselves while doing it. We have to get away from the traditional drudgery of the classroom and get excited! Keep our students energy up by being high-energy ourselves. People gravite toward excited, positive, happy people. Just by our own attitudes and body language we can put our students at ease and make them want to come to class and learn.
Hi Anthony,
You are right you have to be careful not to show favoritism. Students do not like it when you show favoritism. ALL students are special, and they should be treated as such.
Patricia Scales
we also have to be carefull to not practice bribery or display favortism.we have a reward called student of the course that gets attached to their transcripts.it is only for the top 1 or 2 highest scoring students per class.their score reflects quiz grades,attendance and projects completed.since their quality of hand skills will largely determine there success,i feel that many DO focus too much on their actual grade.(stressing over tests until angry)and not nearly enough on there abilities.for this reason i would stress the focus of the reward be chosen by instructors who know what would be most beneficial for the student.our reward was produced by student services dept.this department is full of great people.while they have students best interests in mind,there is probably a way to fine tune this award's requirments to maintain a better focus.
Hi Donna,
We should not have to bribe our students with money to get what they need, an education. We have to motivate them through actions and words to help them succeed.
Patricia Scales
At my college, giving the students any gifts of monetary value is frowned upon. This can be considered a form of bribery (sp). I do like the idea of games, discussions, and reviews.
Donna
Hi Hilda,
Incentives are always motivating for students, even at the adult level.
Patricia Scales
I agree...I believe its important to give the students something to look forward to make them excited. Games have always worked for me..and for the winning team, pizza (who wouldn't want a free meal) Free homework passes has also worked in the past.
Hi Amgad,
Wow gift cards to entice good retention. Great thought, but can be kind of expensive, however at our awards ceremonies, we do have drawing for gift cards for those with perfect attendance for the entire grading period.
Patricia Scales
