Relationships are the foundation to retention and success for all parties involved.
Today's student for the most part have high levels of knowledge of technology. With guidance and instructions they learn easily how to nevigate through the online courses. Incorporating how to research topics in our class can provide the best evidence base knowledge to the subjects we are teaching. Students want to know that your care and that you are apporachable as an instructor.
Students will face challenges and poblems, I tell my students that there is a solution to every problem so when we meet do not just come with a problem or challenges also be part of the solution. We work together to come up with a solution. If we allow the student to be part of the solution they take ownership and move forward knowing that they were heard and allowed to be part of the solution.
I think some of the blame needs to be taken by instructors/ faculty. "Tenure" faculty in brick and mortar schools have a well deserved reputation for not responding to students. If a student is lucky, a TA might respond. In the reading it states that students are not consumers, but I beg to differ. In what other field would someone pay thousands of dollars to be ignored? Isn't your very job as an instructor to teach? Doesn't that mean answering questions?
We are quick to blame the younger generation of students for not being "go getters" but in reality they are already burnt out by apathetic faculty. They came from public schools where teachers were responsive and involved, I don't blame them.
Retention studiesm need tobe replicated for online classes async. and sync.
Ongoing communication, genuine concern, empathy , positive regard helpful in student retention
It is important to build and maintain good rapport and relationships between students and faculty
I was surprised to find out that retention is not a major focus in most colleges. I feel we can work on being more proactive with student retention.
I've learned that the relationship among the staff is important for the students to witnessed as it shows a strong support system. Constant communication between the staff and the student increases the chance of them feeling they are a part of something bigger than them. It's also important for the student to feel welcomed by their peers, as this will build a support system within the classroom.
Learning about the importance of retention and working alliances.
These posts have been very insightful. Clearly, we, as online instructors, have our work cut out for us! I agree with the statements made that students will remember long after class how an instructor made them feel. This is a good take away. I also agree with the person who discussed how students, regardless of class, always seem to fall into three categories; high achievers, middle of the road students and those who are clearly going to need extra support / guidance. All three groups need to feel equally valued and appreciated. Through building relationships, we can improve retention and their successes.
Student retention is about relationships between the faculty and staff and the learner. It is about providing an adequate support network in which the student knows they are cared for and that employees of the institution genuinely care if they succeed or fail. It is not just the job of the faculty, but of every employee at the institution to perform their duties in a way that reinforce a positive professional relationship with the learners in their care.
I learned how important it is for all staff to be involved in communication with the Student. As an instructor I make myself availble to my students almost 24/7. Some students have no home support and need that extra TLC support system. I would like to see more of the staff involved in calling students that sre struggling, so that as a group we are a strong support system for students.
Although many factors influence student retention, the frequency and quality of interactions between students, faculty, and staff is one of the few variables institutions can control that has a significant and positive impact on student retention.
A working alliance is the professional relationship between students and institutional personnel, which involves the establishment of rapport, trust, and a mutual agreement about goals and action plans. Building strong working alliances with online students is fundamental to increasing positive student outcomes.
I learned how important is building the right relation with students as an institution where they feel appreciated will improve retention.
It is important to check in with students and make sure the understand what is expected of them. You need to be available for questions.
Having just lost a student because of institutional failures, I feel retention needs to be a multi-layered approach.
I have learned that there is a strong link between relationship and retention. I also learned when physical charateristics are absent from teaching one must rely on purely relational skills to help online students. For example: communicated back to students in a regular and timely mannner, and setting up one one one calls or virtual meetings.
The technical school where I work recently had to change to remote learning for a few months due to the Covid epidemic. Majority of the students who come to our school do so because a lot of what we teach is hands-on and this is how they learn best. You can imagine the struggles that we had keeping students engaged and motivated during that time. We found that finding ways to relate their material to what was going on in the community as well as doing weekly "touch points" with each individual student was helpful. Furthermore, students were more likely to follow through with assignments when discussion boards and open ended questions were asked of them.
There are different factors that effect retention. We need to develope a good working alliance with our students. Be open and genuine and not judgemental. Be responsive.
Student retention is enhanced by strong on-going communication and relationships involving the student, instructor , and the institution.
