retaining students
Hello,
Students make sacrifices to go to school, all of these play a role in a students finishing school. We as educators help to navigate the challenges students face.
Good point, Shaun, but how do you get that information? At what point does the process become too invasive?
It is so important to understand a student's academic background, such educational level, type of school; private or public, family support, family responsibility, displaced out of the home and most of all what defines education at any level, elementary all the way to college! For the most part, students may a lack an understanding to what is a higher education and what does that mean, is the question. In order to provide support we as educators need to have a complete understanding of the student's personal educational background.
I agree! I have found that as an instructor, taking breaks with the students will quiet often be a continuation of the classroom lectures with a different tone that is led by the students. This places me into their "zone" and allows me to gain greater insights into their difficulties and challenges to remain focused. Taking "breaks" with the students has also given me greater insight to what their expectations are as well as the goals they are trying to obtain. By my willingness to participate in their conversations of concern, they feel more comfortable in looking to me for guidance when the need arises for them to seek help. It conveys the care that I have for each of my students and reinforces my "availablity" to them as individuals. Individual class retention has improved with the adaptation of this practice.
In an in-seat school, managers should go sit in on breaks from time to time. Having a soda with students starts conversations that you would never normaly know about.
That help can take many forms? Any best practices to share?
