Academic erosion is addressed in the new practices that have been developed such weekly grade averages that allow the teacher identify students whose grade are starting to drop. When the student grades get below 80% at mid-term. We offer extra tutoring.
We combat Academic Stagnation among our students through the Career Services department. The students are reminded why they came to the school and what their end goals were. We bring in employers who speak with the students and tell them what their company has to offer them when they graduate. The employers sometimes bring in one of their employees who was in the same position that the student is in not too long ago. They explain to the students what it is like to work for that company. This gets the students excited about the outcome of the program and renews their interest in succeeding.
We promote the "student first" approach and I think our students can see that it is true. We give mid-term evaluations to all students and review their grades (done for all grades A-F). It encourages the A students to know they are doing well and receiving praise and the F students to know we are there to help through tutoring, etc (all advising done privately). We have standing tutoring sessions for all students on Fridays from 10am to 12noon and then schedule one-on-one tutoring for students who work during the day. Instuctors let their chairs know if a student is failing a class and academic advising is done by both the instructor and then followed-up by the chair of that program.
Don't the instructors get involved in dealing with academic stagnation, Doug?
Dayton, who communicates the information about the intervention? What's the role of the instructor?
Karen , is there any reason that you couldn't give reports to your students more often?
The instructors recognize the symptoms of academic stagnation and refer them to our schools student services department
The program chairs and student affairs meet weekly to discuss students in academic trouble and discuss possible interventions to address the issues before they reach crisis proportion. An agreed intervention is decided upon and my involve tutoring or other assistance.
I like the idea of completing progress reports every two weeks, our reports are done at the 6th week of the quarter only. If they were done every two weeks, students could see where they are at sooner, rather than later. Also, we complete attendance reports the 6th week of the quarter to alert students if their rate falls below the acceptable minimum.
Don, who coordinates the LDA reports and how is the data stored? Who transcribes the instructor communication into a student file?
Yolanda, what the most common reason that students give for performing below expectations? Is there a way to be proactive with those issues?
Yolanda, how frequently do you find it necessary to work with students to change career choice?
Our institution sends a daily digital LDA (Last Day Attended) report, where instructor communication to student is noted, and follow on is further initiated.
At the end of each module/class, they are presented with a Certificate of Honors, if they get an A. Each instructor monitors student's progress. If they see that they are below expected ability, they instructor meets with the student, to evaluate what can be done to motivate or assist student. It is also presented to the Academic Dean, and to Student Services.
Usually I see our students work together, I rarely see Academic Erosion. They have a sense of beloning, of family. But Academic Stagnation is more common. They generally may not come out a say "Where is this taking me." But it does show in their commitment to attending class. This is where we Survey, why are they missing class or leaving early. So the instructor contacts them. But usually, the student will share with me, Student Services, their Academic Stagnation. "Where is is taking them?" We make sure they get a lot of hands on experience in Lab's, so they get a sense of accomplishment. Student Services/Career Services meets with them from the time they start, before they go to externship, and when they graduate. So share with them the possibilites in their career choice. But more important, the doors that can assist them in obtaining a brighter future. Throughout their time at our campus, they know they will be heard, that there success is what matters to us, and we are here to listen. If there career choice is not what they want. We take time, to re-evalute their goals, their interest, or what maybe the true reason they our doubting obtaining a career.
When a person is trying to mentor someone to be successful at a task, life, etc. keeping in contact with that person does show interest in their success. If your just showing up for a pay check and dont care, sure your right.
We are a Massage therapy School. The Chicago Marathon is held each October and sponsored by banks and corporations. It is a 26.2 mile run. Our Faculty, staff, alumni, and active students volunteer to work the event and perform pre and post event massages. It is an awesome opportunity for learning and sharing with people in all walks of live. Our student can learn and practice their first aid skills too. The weather has been cold and hot to the extreme and lives had been lost. Our students are trained in how to respond to the health related crises. This is teaching and fellowship at it's best.
Honestly, I did not have any previous experience except for my life experiences to relate to the students. I have been through some difficult life situations and have been successful so I use my stories to help motivate the students. I do have a degree but not in eductaion. We are more academic support, however, we are the go-to person for anything. Sometimes we just tranfer the student to the appropriate department.
Jennifer, what's the Chicago Marathon? Are you talking about a 26.2 mile run? If so, why do you encourage participation?
Jon, some may also stay in touch with their parole officer but that doesn't mean the person is interested in their success.
