Joi Sherrod

I agree that checking on the student is imperative in the on-line world. Students can get "lost in the sauce" so to speak, so it is important that we recognize early on if there is lack of participation from the student. I have learned that when I send a simple email or call the student there are various reasons why they are not participating. One student stopped participating because it was overwhelming and she did not know where to start. The conversation was very simple and encouraging by giving her tips about time management and informing her to reach out to me within a timely manner before giving up completely. I like the idea of checking in on the student weekly, even if they respond or not one of two things will occur: they will receive your response which will motivate them to learn or they will decide that your classroom is not for them at that particular time. Does anyone have any helpful "checking-in" techniques to share?

Hannah Bloink

Jodi,
I also like to check in with students who are not actively engaging in the course or students who may be struggling with assignments. I too generally send check-in emails. However, I have found that when I do so the students do not respond. Have you gotten a good response from such students? If so, how exactly have you done so, because perhaps I am going about it the wrong way?

Herbert Brown III

Nadia,

Through that regular communication the students will hopefully begin to feel like they are a part of a large community of learners.

Herbert Brown III

Nadia Omoru

Janis,
Checking in with students is vital to their success in my opinion. Wheather it is by way of email,instant message or text message its important that we convey to them they matter and they feel valued. This isn't just for the student that struggles, we must communicate with all students, paying extra attention to thoes who are having a hard time with assignments and participation.

Trang Nguyen

Being proactive and monitoring student progress in course will allow that "at risk" student to get the extra attention or assistance that they may need. They may just need an extra nudge here and there.

Herbert Brown III

Janis,

That is a big part of online. I believe students need to know that other people want to see them succeed. I find myself encouraging students all the time and it makes a HUGE difference. They really know you care and they want to work harder and stick with the course, the program, etc.

Herbert Brown III

Janis McFaul

I do believe in 'at risk' emails in which we can copy the advisor on as well. When I reach out to students in this regard, I always remind them that I do want to see them succeed.

J

Herbert Brown III

Geri,

How are you checking in on the students? Can you elaborate a little more here?

Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Geri,

How are you checking in on the students? Can you elaborate a little more here?

Herbert Brown III

Geri Castro

Checking in on the student lets them know that I am monitoring the class and they can ask questions

Jason Ottis

Whenever we have a student that is not participating we have a progession in place where the instuctor will first contact the student though email to discuss what issues they are having. If the student continues to have problems then the department chair is notified and they will contact the student as well. I have noticed that if there are several instructors/administrators working with the student, then the student is more likely to respond.

Donna Estabrook

At our university, we make it a point to have a voice to voice communication with our students typically on a weekly basis. This method serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it starts to build a rapport between student and instructor. Secondly, it shows the student we care about their success and holds them accountable for turning in assignments. We also hope this helps the student to know that we as instructors and a University care about their success.

We are also able to identify any learning issues or individual struggles that a student might be facing. From that conversation we can offer available resources to that student.

We also document the encounter in a management system so anyone working with that student can view those interactions and have a better idea of any issues, challenges,successes that are related to that individual student. Having that information on hand provides consistency and knowledge to demonstrate to the student we do truly care about them as a student and are willing to assist them as needed not only academically, but in other areas as well.

Herbert Brown III

Jean,

I agree. A personal touch is very important for the students to understand that you do care about them and their problems and are willing to work with them within reason.

Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Jodi,

Sometimes this does help the student understand that you truly care and then they open up about their problems. It gives you a chance to help them before the just "drop out" either physically or mentally.

Herbert Brown III

Jean Riese

Jodi, I agree that each student needs to be contacted if they are late on assignments or not participating in the discussion. It is important to open up a line of communication with them to see if they are experiencing "life" problems or are having a hard time understanding the concepts. Showing each student that you care is always a good step in the retention of each student so that they can continue on their path to success.