Presenting a Vision
The most important step for student retention and effective intervention is to believe and to make the student believe that the institution is commited to their success for reasons that go beyond the bottom line. Many of my students come to class hungry to learn and for hope of a better future and as instructors, we are their advocates.
I also agree with that statement. An honest, sincere attitude of "we care", and the school goes that extra mile to provide that service presents that vision to the student of being capable of being successful, confident, and with high self esteem in facing the future.
The most important part for studensts retention is when we afirm and make the students belive that they are important to us. people needs should be our priority...
Isn't "administrative inconsistencies" a polite way of saying the school isn't performing to minimally acceptable standards? The probation period is a time to permanently fix the problem[s].
Typically, probation is also a time of tension and emotion, as long standing problems are exposed and corrected. It is imperative that the remediation process be proactive and executed in a positive and professional manner.
In most cases schools will be put on probation due to administrative inconsistencies. During this time the school must strive to provide an excellent and well organized product. Worst thing that could happen is to let the students witness disorganization or a lack of professionalism by the faculty and staff.
I stress that each student has different skills. You need to focus on your goals, your skills and your positive strengths. Once you are confident with your self and have gained the necessary knowledge, you are ready to compete with others.
A warning or probation from an accrediting agency is indeed a problem. As you suggest, students will rightfully wonder about the quality of the institution.
Do any of you have experience with this? How was it handled with the students and what was the outcome?
True, we are indeed "advocates" for better futures for our students. One concern that is difficult mediate in a student's mind is when a campus gets placed on "Warning" or even "Probation" from the accrediting agency. This can take a deep toll on the percieved commitment that the institutional has on the future of their students.
How do you handle the student who knows that there are other more skilled people in the class? What if they feel that they won't be able to compete for a job?
I think that the student has to be reminded that at the end something good is going to happen. They need to fee that at the end they are going to be the best at what they do. And that we as instructors are the tool for this to happen.
When students begin to think that the bottom line is school's primary reason to be you have big problems. Everything that is done is viewed with suspicion and it takes a long time to change that perception.
It all starts with a positive attitude from staff and faculty.
