How often do these critiques turn up problems that a faculty member didn't know about already? Three weeks is a long time for students to wait to raise an issue.
What do you do to assure that you're up front and honest with entering students? Do you have use disclosure forms?
We have a system of student's critiques every 3 weeks, and if a student gives his name, a Education Manager follows up. This is the formal way that problems are spotted, but much more often problems are noticed by one-on-one conversations with instructors who care and listen for clues to potential problems.
When does the education department get involved with the process? Does the admissions staff stay involved as the student moves through their program?
They consantly meet with the students to follow up with them and make sure they re getting what they are needing.
OUr school is up fornt and honest with those being enrolled about what is expected of them as students.
Our admissions staff works in tandem along side our retention coordinator to make sure any questions or issues the students have are resolved. Be it a fellow classmate, an instructor, the lesson plan itself, or another issue, our team works closely with the students to make sure their expectations are being met and that they are satisfied with their choice to attend our institution.
The head instructor normally teaches it. W e started with a one day 5 hr seminar. I think it is going to be extremely helpful especially with older students
I'm glad to hear that your school has added a study skills component. Too many institutions seem to think that this subject isn't 'academic' enough. How many hours is the seminar? Who teaches it?
We have some great instructors here! I have watched give individual attention to any student they feel is struggling. They also recently added a study skills seminar to our introduction module to show new students how to organize there day both at school and after school to maximize there aility to learn. We have extended it to students already here also. The students I have spoke to about this really enjoyed it.
That's a great idea. The first rep in the building here calls all students missing in the first two week intro period.
That sounds like it can really help. What exactly is on the slip and how do you go about approaching a student if there is an issue that you think should be addressed.
I agree with working with students in a team fashion, because when they see that the staff wants to work together to help they will feel more comfortable when they need to ask for help with a problem.
Wow! That's a small group and luxury that most school's don't think they can afford. What subject do you teach and what's the rationale for such a small group? Is this size typical for other subjects?
What's the purpose of the evaluation? Who gets it and what do they do with it? How long is the period that you have the students?
After five days of class all instructors are to turn in a "five day evaluation slip" for all students. A tool of observation that helps see growth.
The class I teach has a cap of 10 students. It's wonderful that more quality time can be spent with each student.
We perform end of module surveys along with intructor formal and informal observations.
What are the qualifications of the Student Services Director? Does your institution have a recommended limit to the number of students that person can handle?
Techniques are not the same and although stress of school is a common thread, different approaches work for different people. Each department has it's own strengths when it comes to working with students.As long as it is done in a team fashion, and there is communication between departments, we can combat pressures that would ultimately make a student drop.
