Attrition Frustration
As an instructor, I can usually guess the students who are dealing with stressful situations. The signs often come from repearted absences, voicing frustrations in class discussions, or simply their down and out demeanor in class. Once these students have been identified, I employ strategies to help them cope by discussing their progress with them, asking them about their personal life, and offering encouragment and tools for success.
What is so frustrating, though, are the students who come to class everyday, actively participate, are on track to do well in the class, and then disappear. I seem to have one or two students a quarter who do very well, and then go completely off the radar and do not return. What are ways to identify academic stagnation and erosion in students who seem to be doing fine?
When students completely disappear without communicating, I always reflect on what could I have done differently? Life happens, and sometimes the students who are best prepared academically have to leave school to take care of personal matters.
It's a little disconcerting to hear that the wheels come off during the externship - when they are supposed to be "auditioning" for a job in their field. Is there a particular profile of students who have this problem?
Some students seem to be afraid of success and look for ways to fail. Any way to identify them before they start the process?
How actively involved are the students in securing the externship? Their level of participation may be a way to identify potential problems.
I think the interview idea is great. It makes sense to have a discussion midway through. I am an extern instructor, and I have seen students start out great and enthusiastic, and then get off track during their externship when life gets in the way. I am thinking about how I could intervene when trouble first starts. They have my cell number and I tell them to contact me any time, but they are not always great about doing so. And sometimes by the time I know there is trouble it is too late. I do make more frequent visits if I am aware of a problem or potential problem. Any ideas?
This is a problem, which i have a seen or noticed in some classrooms. There are so many good students who are oblivious to other students problems, either they have been brought up in a secure family environment or have not faced any financial challanges in life. They see their time being wasted when an instructor tries to work with a weak or achallenged student
I have experienced that and it is very hard. We usually try to build the relationship in the front end, and if we loose them we work really hard to have them reenroll and continue on their path. Some students have really hard life issues and putting food on the table comes before education (maslow's hierchy of needs). Those who do come back understand that we value their success as much as they do.
I always try to keep an open line of contact with all of my students, as crazy or out of touch as that may sound, the quiet ones I try to pry out of their shells and I give them several ways without violating policy to contact me and tell them I have their best interest at heart...it sounds like you do all of that and you are expereienced with prevention in attrition, so I would have to ask for strategies as well...anyone??
I also notice the same type of pattern. It makes me wonder if I am missing some of the signs. I seem to have a better handle on projecting when the male students are having a problem when compared with the females. Maybe that is why my wife says that I "don't have a clue".
I know that gender plays a role in many issues. How does it effect the drop rates? All other things remaining the same.
I know EXACTLY what you mean, Meagan. One way I try to deal with that issue is to sort of "interview" each student at mid-term. I make sure that they know my door is open to them. I want each of them to know that I can and will help them any way I can. I realize this only helps those who make it as far as the middle of the term (three weeks in my program) but this is what I do, personally to address this VERY tough issue.
