Addressing the issues facing higher education
What can be done by leadership to address the issues facing the higher education sector in a positive way?
Jackie, Very true. So what are you specifically doing to ensure that positive attitude is maintained?
Dr. Jean Norris
Positive reinforcement will increase Positive actions, Working with the students in the classroom, knowing your students is a key point to figure out what will work for them in a positive way.
Thank you for sharing, David. It sounds like Dave is a great asset!
Dr. Jean Norris
David, Interesting points you mention. Can you expand on how you feel leadership can effect student outcomes?
Dr. Jean Norris
John, That is an interesting point. Will you elaborate on what you think needs to be done in order to make more people aware?
Dr. Jean Norris
If I may... I have witnessed first-hand the impact that Dave has had on students. There are probably dozens of ways that he builds rapport with students that I could discuss. However, let me focus briefly on one. Communication. Students need the information that is outlined in the course objectives. They need to learn it. Internalize it. Live it. Know it. That's what we're trying to do right? Educate someone. So why is it more successful with some? I believe the delivery method (how it's communicated) has a great impact on how it will be received. Dave has an amazing way of understanding the student's specific needs and communicating things in a way that he knows will be received. Some might call it getting to another's "level" and communication on their terms. Dave is so good at that he ultimately takes it to the next level and helps the students raise their own communication levels!
One of the most important things that has the greatest impact on the issues facing higher education is that of the people. Leadership should work very hard to develop their employment staff in a way that enables them to have a positive impact on students with each interaction. If you take a hard look at the things that cause issues within higher education many of them stem from students being displeased with outcomes. As leaders try to impact the issues in a positive way I believe that the people that serve those areas need more development to increase their ability to have a positive impact.
I think that the simplest and most effective thing that leaders can do in this industry is to anticipate and accept that some students are going to need more help to be successful. It is not that the bar needs to be lowered, it is that some students will need more help making it.
Lacei, You make a great point. What I am hearing you say is that regardless of what you are paid, the effort to help the student still needs to exist. Is that correct? If yes, what do you currently do to help your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
Dave, Truly incredible point you make when you speak about making it hard for a student to drop by stating, "If I have the appropriate relationship with a student, I can make it hard for them to leave." This is the basis for building rapport, and maintaining a positive relationship. It's not about making it hard for them to go, it's about making them want to stay. What specifically do you do to build rapport with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
Many institutions (that we know of!) have employed a model that includes incentives that center on student retention. Being that we are not allowed to do that in today's regulatory world, I believe it not only comes down to the motivation of the student, but the persistence that the individual tracking them. Are we engaging in a meaningful manner with each student we are in charge of? Are we providing resources along the way regarding the way that match where they are at with their program (e.g. job postings, resumes that need help, success stories of recent graduates, study tips).
James, such excellent points! It is so critical that faculty are trained in the basics of teaching and equally as important, how to make personal connections with each student. When I taught at a traditional university, the sheer volume of students made it difficult, if not impossible to foster a connection. In the career college arena we have a unique opportunity to make appropriate connections with our students. This kind of relationship truly does help us guide our students and help ensure their success. I have been taught that I should make it “hard†for a student to drop. If I have the appropriate relationship with a student, I can make it hard for them to leave a program. More importantly, that relationship enables me to show a student how to manage their academic, personal and professional lives in such a way they understand the benefits of finishing their education. In other words, I can make it easier for them to stay.
Excellent, James. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
It should not be limited to the academic advisor. The training for advisors should extend to ALL employees. The techniques advisors use to connect with students and the resources that they provide to those students should be used throughout the organization. It does not matter who the student is interacting with, we should all be invested in student retention. Everyone should have an “advisor hat†available should the situation call for it.
James, Well said, and truly excellent points. Making a connection with students should not be limited to the Admissions Advisor. How can you ensure that others in the institution are utilizing the "advisor" hat to make connections?
Dr. Jean Norris
Mickie, You make an interesting point. How do you go about building that relationship with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
Heather, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement above that a focus on retention is essential. I believe several factors play a role in this. First, as you stated, faculty training is critical and must be made a top priority. Most faculty would benefit from training in areas as varied as classroom management, simple lesson prep, basics of giving a presentation, and so many others. Also, faculty MUST make connections with students to get them to truly engage in the educational environment. These connections help provide meaning and purpose for the student. Training our faculty in techniques to make these connections is vital and in and of itself would increase retention. I also believe that we need better training and formalization of our academic advising. Academic advisors are the keystone to student relationships and therefore student retention. As far as the admissions team is concerned, I love that you use the term “admissions advisorâ€. No one has made a more significant connection with the student upon entry into our schools than the admissions advisor. We should use those personal connections as a powerful resource to help keep the student persistent in their pursuit of success, especially early in the academic acclimation phase. Allow them to utilize the “advisor†portion of their title, when necessary, to provide high-quality interactions with the students that lead to retention and ultimately attainment of their dreams.
I agree. Gaining a student trust is very important. If they feel they can talk to someone about any difficulties they are having and get the resources they need, they are much more likely to stay in school
Nathan, It's important to always maintain that relationship with students. How does your current position help you address the issues facing higher education?
Dr. Jean Norris
