I agree with the idea that student retention is based greatly on the interaction and relationships that the student has with the faculty. I feel like I have had more success in the retention of my students by taking the time to build individual relationships with my students. I make it a point to know their strengths and weaknesses, the struggles they are facing that could affect their performance as students. Alot of times that student just wants to know that there is someone who believes in them and wants to see them reach their goals.
A happy environment that students can come to everyday is important, being prepared, being aware of any changes, communication is the key, if there is something that we see is off, like the sound of their voice we can actually do our best to help, I think that overall the environment plays an important part just as much as having a concerned instructor, everyone in the building has to show the positive attitude, say hello not just walk by students (whether they are in their program or another one) students perceive the animosity and that gives them the negative vibes all around.
In this module, I learned student retention is at least as much a function of institutional behavior as it is of student behavior. In addition, students are not customers in the conventional sense; therefore, we as the faculty and staff are responsible for helping students. Building strong working alliances with online students is fundamental; and increases positive student outcomes.
I learned the positive campus climate and a good strong supportive faculty relationships helps toward better student retention.
I believe that it is important to create an environment that fosters open communication and creates a positive campus climate in an effort to reduce student retention.
The following is what I believe is the most important part of this session so far: "In analyzing over 20 years of research, Tinto repeatedly found one factor to be the single most important predictor of student retention: the frequency and quality of interactions between students and staff. This was a strong predictor of student retention, even after taking account of variables such as personality, background, and academic performance."
In my past life as a supervisor, manager and trainer in the mfg. business field, it is one on one relationships that students seem to respond to the best when training them on new things. If a student is having a good time, an enjoyable time, an eye opening experience time during your lecture, lab or demonstration then that student will bond with the instructor, institution and the program. They will return time and time again to gain more knowledge. In addition, they will probably tell 2 other potential students who then tell 2 other potential students and so on. It is then the cycle of "word of mouth" advertising begins. In all cases this takes time and must be ingrained into culture of the school and program.
A strong working alliance with the online student will greatly affect the retention of individual online students.
Developing a strong Working alliance with the individual online student involves early. frequent, and consistent interactions with students.
This includes making yourself available to students with contact information and hours of availablity, communication with the student at prescribed regular periods during the semester, and responding to students questions and comments in a timely manner
This is all about relationships. Good ones do good in the long run.
I've used the Client/Supplier model most of my teaching career, and believe in it. Trouble happens when a student can't play the role of client, or doesn't know how to. The "fear of the grade" changes the dynamic to see the teacher as a boss.
But I think for attitude, it is best to see my role as The Supplier. Winning over the client. Speaking truth to the client via the "play money" of a grade.
Seth Soronnadi
Learned that "strong working alliances and communication are linked to retention"
Sometimes students do not know where to go for help on campus, or that there is such a thing. Students go from 12th grade- told how to do so much , where to go that I believe they can not critically think for themselves and when help is offered, they may not even know what to do with it.
I learned that the three retention factors are, individual, external and institutional factors.
I can see that Building strong working alliances and creating a positive campus climate will help in student retention.
Relationship based learning applies to online multimedia as well
Building strong working alliances and creating a positive campus climate will help in student retention.
i learned that retention is established through good relationships between the student and faculty.
The transition from the classroom to Teams online learning has been interesting yet challenging. One-on-one interaction is important in the classroom but critical with online learning. It is too easy to let some students fall through the cracks. I have found the students are much more likely to stay engaged when I contact them individually about every two weeks. A little time consuming with 24 students but well worth it.
For me, I have always learned better when the instructor enagaed and took the individual time to see how I was doing and helping me in the areas I was struglling with. As an instructor, the area I have struggled with the most is helping to motivate those that don't want to put the time in.
Motivating online students is very hard. We have so many obstacles before us. Time management, family, work, school and dont forget the most important, a social life. The postitive, motivated and informative instructor has a better chance of retaining the audience or client.
I have taught online for about 10 years now, however our courses are blended so having them in class greatly improves the communication challenges of online. Building that relationship is so important to the student's success. Now working with zoom where you can see the students is a huge tool in the success of online.
Student retention is extremely important in my opinion. Without the students there would not be instructors. Thus, creating a meaningful professional relationship with the student is imperative, and will ensure that students will feel supported if needed. If you can recall your own school experiences as a student and can associate how faculty and administrators treated you, what were you best interactions?
