retention and attendance
I have seen that students who have perfect attendance do not drop out. Those students that miss time and get behind the rest of the class tend to drop out more often.
In my observation, some students come with the intention of taking up a program to better themselves. I feel that's great! However, to my surprise the students are not mixing well with the topics of class and the importance of attendance and how it factors in on their grade. Some students realize that they made the wrong decision on their choice of program. I feel that there decision to start slacking in the class room is a direct result from the wrong choice of program. Students are not being matched in or with the right program.
Trying to reach the poor attendance student is the most challenging part of the job. I often point out the fact if I am not giving you your money's worth you would be annoyed. Why then can you justify the lack of participation without regret?
I agree that students who are committed have good attendance and will probably not drop out. I am concerned about the students I see that have a pattern of absenteeism for reasons that are important to them but may not be good reasons to miss class in my estimation.I don't want to be judgemental and I try to instill in my students that the classtime in important to their learning. I have seen students not show up due to thunderstorms or want to go home early because of a basketball game. I want them to value their education and have tried to link the need to remain in class with what is expected in the job force. I have even had a speaker who explained allowable reasons for absences in the workplace.
Retention is such a hot button issue. One of the biggest factors, I believe, is committment. If a student is committed to their education, they will not only have good attendance, but will also make up any missed work timely. Those who aren't will have spotty attendance and it will show.
From my observations, the students that miss time and fall behind were not that committed to their education to begin with, or have come to realize that the program is not meeting their expectations. This is often due to unrealistic expectations, and/or a poor match of student to career choice.
