Retention - Timing is Everything
A good school with have resources available to assist students with any issues they may have such as counselors, advisors, tutoring, work study jobs, job fairs, etc.
Weekly meetings, although time consuming, can really help to keep the staff on the same page and on top of any possible situations. They do not need to be long in length, but just touching base and bringing up any possible issues with students that can be looked into. When I was first asked to follow up with students, I was concerned that it would be too time consuming. However, I later found that it actually increases attendance and thus I don't have to do it as often.
Good example of how the pieces of a system can work toward a positive end. Was the student able to get help with their vision problem?
as well as i agree with the intervention of a studetn at first sign. As an instructor not only do you have to get the correct information across in class but you have to show some surport and structure towards the student to show that they care to make them feel welcomed upon returning to hopefully by next class period
This is very true. Approachability is probably an attribute that sometimes is hard to find. We sometimes try to be to authoritarian, and forget that we also must be mentors, ready to help as soon as the need appears. If we are not approachable, we will inevitably fail.
Timing has much impact on the outcome. Involving the student in his/her own problem-solving is the other critical piece. Last term I asked a student for permission to refer him/her for health services after the student reported difficulty seeing the demonstrations at the front of the room - and the student was on the front row!
After a short discussion, the student verbalized appreciation for my concern, my attempt to help with providing resources. Then it was up to the student to establish contact with the service provider. It was a successful encounter because the student was involved in the process and the outcome.
Having the right people and the right resources go hand in hand. Even though it may not be your area of expertise if a student feels comfortable with you to share their situation, you can then guide them to the right source to help them in that area. Everyone, educators and administration, must be approachable.
I agree that repeating and reintroducing the services is key. Students get so bombarded with info at the onset that it's impossible to retain it all.
That's a valid point, but there is a difference between schools that have the people for the resources and the schools that actually use these people for the right reasons. I think that a lot of students are timid to go to there school with there problems in fear of becoming a problem student and getting picked on.
Having good resources at the school is great but the students need to know from day 1 that they can come to you about any issue and you'll listen and at least direct them to the proper source. This should be stressed daily for at least the first 2 weeks and periodically there after. It's difficult for many students to open up and seek help.
All is great provided we all ( at the facility ) have consistent, correct attitude that is looking for opportunities to be of service.
I think a school that puts the effort to help the students with all these resources will fare much better that a school that doesn't.
We have a retention meeting weekly. However, we get retention reports daily. As Program Chair part of my job is to contact these students daily. The follow-ups are what I find most difficult. We have a "open door" policy here and i stree this from day 1 with my students. I have found that contacting the student on their 1st day missed does save more students than not.
I agree. We must also be sure to properly advertise the services, via email, bulletin boards and announcements. Many students do not know that help is available and we do even meet with them until they are ready to drop. Many students at my school could not tell you where to locate Student Services, or who their advisor is, so the communication of this information is critical.
I agree that the instructor is usually the first to notice a problem. I usually try to contact or met with the student. i know that many of the other instructors and school personnel will try many avenues to make a personal contact or set up an individual program to help. We do have car pooling, tutoring, mentoring, mutiple contact numbers and avenues.
Good point. Additionally, the institution has to keep abreast of the efficacy of those programs and constantly revise what is not working and supplement and continue what is.
James
Mr. Stamile,
that is a good point. Counselors, advisors, tutors and the like really provide a good support system for students.I think in some cases the issue becomes tougher when resources are removed from the student milieu. Then the student is left to fend for self or find alternate means of support. While not impossible, this does make things a little tougher on the student and I dare say a little bit more stressful on instructors as well. An institution of education must ensure that the proper facilities are in place to proffer assistance to the students.
James
I agree, but instructors are usually the first person to notice a problem. If an instructor is connecting with the student,they could be the resource that saves that student from dropping out of school.
Having various resources does target many areas that a student may be facing. That may assist in success.
I agree with this 100% and the instructor must intervene immediately from the first day absent/issue arrises. Immediate response is KEY!!
