I believe that by being upfront and honest with each student is all areas of education is very important. To improve student outcomes ensuring that students understand the expectations of the course and program so that the student can plan for success. Making the time to go the extra mile and help a student when they are in need or confused will lend to his or her success as well.
Some of my thoughts on improving retention is, making sure the doors are open for every student, in every department. Knowledge is power and may help the student continue in difficult times.
I think that it is vital that professionalism and “soft-skills†are modeled by the entire staff of the school. When every staff member impresses the importance of professionalism throughout the entire course of a program, it will become important to the students. Sometimes staff is reluctant to raise standards for fear that a student may drop out. I have found in my experience that when you raise the bar, students rise to the challenge.
I believe that to improve student outcomes we has a representative of the school should let students know that they can come to us for any question or as a resource to help them
Be clear and honest. If you don't know the answer to the student's question, ask someone until you find the accurate answer.
Some of my thoughts on improving student outcomes are engaging students in the classroom and faculty availability and support. I believe student engagement is a key component to student success. Keeping student excited and involved in the classroom assists them in their overall understanding and learning. In addition, faculty being available for tutoring and office hours lets the students know that the faculty care about them and want to give them the support they need to succeed.
1-Making sure the schools Mission Values are clearly defined and understood.
2-Making sure all student services are well staffed and readily available.
3-Making sure initial contact regarding Financial Aid is thoroughly covered.
4-Making sure course expectations are fully understood and assignments are clearly defined.
5-Being available to support and discuss student issues and questions with timely resolution.
I feel that through professional relationships and trust with students,if any issues arise, the student will feel comfortable enough to attempt to resolve the issue. Through mentoring and interaction, I feel that students will feel a sense of belonging and they will be more encouraged to finish. Addressing the basic needs and obstacles, the outcome will be more favorable.
Thanks Michelle, you're right - it is a process! And your steps each influence the other!
Jay Hollowell
It is a multi-step process.
1. Be transparent so interested parties may self select out after evaluating the catalog and student handbook.
2. Increase student awareness and participation in Student Services to facilitate personal growth, increase problem solving skills and jointly remove perceived and real barriers.
3. Provide a personable and engaging on-line learning environment.
4. Address student complaints/concerns/issues in a respectful and timely manner.
My personal experience id that I make it a point to connect with every one of the students I enroll, via any possible social media that they might have. I make it a point to check on them, invite them to stop by my ,office and check in with me. I encourage them to always come to me first when facing difficulties, challenges, set backs ect.... I create enough connection with them, keep them encouraged, cheer them on, celebrate them, cry with them ( that's just me).
Communication creates connection.
Deyanira,
Admissions is the first department a student experiencing, knowing that they can always come back to admissions for answers is very reassuring.
Cindy Bryant
we follow up weekly by calls or text we ensure that we are available and introduce the entire admissions dept so that there will definitely always be someone to listen
Sara,
This is a very effective way to manage student success and retention. Another tool is to access the students in a regular meeting involving education, financial aid and sometimes admissions. These departments may have information regarding the student that could be helpful for early intervention.
Cindy Bryant
Being able to support students in a variety of ways is important to student success, since most students need support in different ways. At our school, we work together in our different departments and also rely on feedback from instructors on students and what kind of additional support they need.
Often we will include appropriate administrators in a meeting with the student to make sure the student understands the expectations for the program, and then we can answer questions they have about fulfilling their obligations.
Catching things early, before the student has missed a lot of class or is on the verge of dropping out, can help prevent students from leaving and help them complete their coursework and graduate on time. Students who are struggling oftentimes don't seem to know how to advocate for themselves, and we definitely want to help those students succeed by helping them with an action plan, providing resources/information on community services, and reminding them of why they came to our school in the first place (which is my favorite - the pep talk!)
I believe that most students truly want to succeed in school and obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to propel themselves into a new future. I also believe that we each hold accountability to help them change their lives and, thus, change their futures. Most of the students I see just need encouragement, patience and tolerance from us to help them work through some of their insecurities.
We can encourage by asking them to apply themselves and then giving them opportunities again and again to do so. Sometimes they stumble, or fall, and then we need to have patience and help them to get up and try again. Who says they have to do everything perfect the first time.
Most of the students that are in career colleges need our help in order to help them to look at things differently. To do things differently and to see that when they do, the outcome will be different.
Maybe this all sounds fanciful and corny; but, I would rather believe that they can do it if given a chance, and sometimes a second chance. That said, sometimes I do find that a student really can't do it. But, in must cases, if I believe in them and they know it; if I push them and give them encouragement; if I support them, they will hang in there and get some home runs.
Soon they discover that it is okay to falter. It's not a problem to dust themselves off, get up and move on. Then, most times, they start believing in themselves and gain some self esteem and determination sets in and they push on. That's the joy we find in our jobs. Watching them change their outcome to one that is a success!
Tina,
Discussing student issues on a regular basis makes a big difference in how issues are handled because you have an opportunity to address/resolve complaints before they escalate to an epic issue. Great Job!
Cindy Bryant
When I think of students success, I don't think it ends with completing their formal education. I want to see my graduates go further and earn higher incomes. Since I'm with a trade school I feel the best way to improve students success is to bring more real life experiences into the class room. By doing so we will be able to give our students a smooth and comfortable transition from the nurturing school environment to the harsh reality of work life.
During our weekly staff meetings, each department comes with a list of students who have any issues. Many times, our lists are similar. It seems that if a student has an attendance issue they have other problems as well. These weekly meetings help us all to stay informed and help them succeed.
The key aspect of helping students succeed is providing them with the tools necessary for that success.
DB
