Understanding your students
Learning your student behavior online can help with attrition
Donna,
These are all great points. The individualized attention makes it difficult for a student to 'disappear' into the crowd. Nice job.
Online students demonstrate many different behavior characteristics (such as the quiet one or the intimidator) and trying to identify students who may be at risk for attrition is key. I try to identify which students are in need of some TLC or weekly confidence boosters by making a contact phone call in the beginning of the course and getting to know them. You would be surprised how much information they give you once you open up the door of communication. Even sending emails and reminding students who are chronically late with assignments to keep them focused can be the difference between passing or failing.
I agree with you on this. This is why I feel it is extremely important to not only share with your students your personal achievements and credentials but who you are as a person. Oftentimes, it is comforting to know that behind the computer screen there is a person just like you with similar life goals and obstacles.
I think it also helps to communicate with their online instructor to receive updates on their situation and whether they need any assistance.
Hi Marie, this is a great idea. It also helps establish trust among learners, so it is easier for them to share their thoughts and ideas without feeling that someone might criticize them. Tina
One of the things I do prior to the first week of class is ask the students to post on the discussion board a little about themselves, their goals for the course, and their career goals. I also mention to them that this is a good networking opportunity.
You never know when you need something and may remember someone you were in class with that could help you out. In the real world this happens all the time. I think this helps give the students a connection to each other. More than likely they will be in several classes together. Unfortunately, they don't all post because it is a nongraded assignment, but it does help me understand where they are coming from.
Hi Tommy, what strategies do you use to become familiar with your students? Tina
I agree in that it's important to be familiar with the students as much as possible. Since an online format is not nearly as personal as the traditional setting, it's important to be there for the students.
Tommy Offill
I agree, especially when you have students retake a class you can start communicating with them from day one. Get a progress report from them every week and see if they need any help from you.
I agree. I feel like the bio's or "introduce yourself" discussions are one of the most important first week activities.
I believe that a person must get to know their students not only for retention purposes but in order to judge the whole person. If you know a little about their background, yo can keep some documentation to bring it up in a private discussion for instance. The personal touch is best I believe in the online venue
