Student Retention
Unfortunately there is no "magic formula" to retain students in post-secondary education institutions. There are a number of reasons students leave, no one reason is responsible for the student becoming disenchanted with his/her effort to change their life.
To retain a student, it would appear that several different methods must be employed, and consistenly used. Basic to the problem of student loss, is to find out WHY the student is leaving. Also, how firm is the decision to depart. In attaining answers to these questions, the difficulty resides in the truthfulness of the answers. ARE the reasons the students give truthful, and complete. In finding out this information, it is essential that the right questions be asked. Also, some information can be derived from the students overall actions, attendance, and inteest that he/she has shown in furthering their eductation at the institution.
Gale, incompatibility with student expectations shouldn't happen. Instructors certainly have some responsibility in seeing that expectations and content are aligned. What can you do to start a conversation to fix this problem?
Students have numerous reasons for dropping out of school. I have heard so many reasons for students dropping out. One of the main reasons I believe is incompatability along with student expectations. Some students feel that what they have learned is adequate enough to get a job in their field. I have found that the instructors are rarely the deciding factor in students staying in or dropping out.
Unfortunately this does happen and wastes a lot of time and resources, Rich. Any thoughts on how to reduce these occurrences?
Sometimes Students make the wrong choice in their field of study, and lose interest.
Your points are well made, Eugene, and speak to the need for training of the people who will be working with the student during the withdrawal process.
