RT101
I've noticed some differences at MMTC about retention. It seems to be very much stressed, as it should be.
My question is, how do we balance retention with the need to not "baby" students?
Amy, investment is an important point too. Many students are taking on debt that will be with them for a very long time.
Thank you for this statement. I have not stated it that way before. High school is mandatory but college is the voluntary investment they make. I will convey this to my students.
I totally agree. We cannot lower standards to make it easy on the students. Being proactive and realistic helps them in the long run solve their problems and suceed in a career
How do your students react to that message? Do you get into a conversation with them about the differences between high school and your institution?
I agree completely. I find the biggest problem is a maturity level that emulates high school. Some of my students have not realized they are in college and think they are more or less in grade 13. I try to convey that high school is required, but now they have taken the next step, voluntarily, in the growth process of acquiring knowledge and preparation for a career. I advise them to schedule and pace themselves so they are not stressing themselves out just before a test or an assignment is due. The daily drama must be set aside or dealt with in a mature way, so they can find their schooling as a pleasant investment for the future.
Retention practices should be positive, proactive measures to help students manage the challenges they are facing. "Babying" implies reducing or eliminating standards. That's not part of helping students solve problems.
Loren Kroh
