Your Part as an Instructor
As an instructor, what part do you play to retain students at your campus?
As an instructor I try to keep myself available to students to offer advice when asked and help when needed. I try to be non-judgemental when dealing with students, and I strive to maintain a positive attitude.
I am not an instructor, but i do play a pat in the retention of students at UTI. I assist many students on a daily basis. Some of these students are not particularly thrilled to be coming to the Resource Center because they have been told they have to pay for an ID because they forgot theirs; or they need to borrow safety shoes because they don't have the proper foot wear; or they have to borrow clothing because what they've worn doesn't comply with the dress code. These students are always met with a warm smile and an understanding attitude. I help to diffuse their bad mood before sending them on their way. I make an effort to ask everyone about their day, try to cheer them up if they are distraught or unhappy. One never knows whose life they might make a difference in just by offering a friendly smile or a pat on the shoulder.
We Are here for them, and only them. Everything you do in your class and interaction with the students should be focused on keeping them intrested in the information, and you, and trust you as someone they can look to for help at any point.
The attitude we exude carries over into our daily interaction with the students.
Motavating and getting the the students interested and excited about being in class each day. Giving the student a clear outline and goals of the course.
I'm intrigued by the first part of your response, Daniel. It must be very time intensive to set challenges for students according to their individual learning abilities. Do you do this for lab work? How about quizzes and exams?
What impact could/does this have on your grading system?
To set challenges for students according to the learning abilities of each student.Also to set an example for the student to follow.Also by letting them know that they can talk to you if they have a problem.
I believe instructors play a very important role in the retention of students. My experience has showed me that like in many other professions, exceptional customer service is the key. In my case, my primary responsibility is to serve as an approachable reference that will not merely answer the student’s questions but do so in an effective and comfortable manner that will encourage future interaction. This, of course, is just one of the many parts that contribute to that exceptional customer service. It is through this positive, effective, and comfortable environment, that I play a part in the retention of students.
One of the major frustrations of people who work with students is getting them to open up before a problem has grown to crisis proportions. Do you have any techniques that have been effective in getting them into your office before it's too late?
In my position, a daily function is being available to answer students questions on all levels. For many students taking the first step of asking the question is often the most difficult so it is important to have a positive attitude and make sure that you provide great service, so the student will feel comfortable in asking future questions, or providing information to probe their initial question further.
Positive attitude and being approachable to students. Often I see Instructors that think they have to be so tough that they isolate themselves from the students and often scare some away. I think that while keeping the class control, an instructor can let the students know they care about their success and that attitude will help students feel that they have someone that believes in them, and sometimes that is enough to help a student push a little more and stay in class.
Everyone has a hand in retention. If we don't, the fact is that we would not have a job. If you don't keep resources on hand, how can you deliver a product. The rewarding part is when a student that you've helped, graduates and thanks you for your hand in keeping them in school.
Yes, a little bit of extra effort goes a long way. Being flexible is good,too, but some students have learned to be manipulative and will use "poor old me" tactics to get by.
As an instructor, to retain students you must be aware, open, supportive, and alert. It's not just about the lecture, you have to be involved in a touch of whatever causes them to loose or gain motivation. Sometimes this trickles into their lives outside of school. Partnering with the staff around you will help you guide them to the department or person that can assist them when things go beyond the material.
As an instructor I continue to find ways to keep the classroom and lab material cutting edge and up to date within the student expectations, staying positive and in a supporting role to each individual and letting them know that they have made the right descision for their future and that "we" as a unit care about their success. sometime support dosen't always look the way they want at first however careing and persistance towards our common goal always wins in the end.
What kind of accommodations are you talking about, Andrew? What's your decision making matrix?
as an instructor i think it is important to make accomidations in the class when possible with out comprimising education or alienating the other students. This wil help with retaining students.
What kind of training have you had regarding learning styles? Do you and your colleagues share best practices?
Expectations can be very powerful. Does your school have a way of managing them? How do you assure that the expectations are the same if you have multiple instructors for a course? How do you manage conflicting expectations?
