I agree with your statement. I make myself available to the student for as much time and subject need as possible. Even with all this students don't show up because: I forgot, I didn't have a bus pass, I had a family issue...., and yes many of them do poorly on tests and handson. My questions is when is enough enough? As an instructor, when do you limit their assistance? I think the first time you say "sorry I won't help you today" becomes a negative mark from the students point of view and can effect their desire to stay. Retention is challenged.
At any school the instructor is the 1st to notice students' absences. At our school, at the 1st absence, the instructor is to contact the student, find out why he/she is not present, let them know what they have missed for the day, and make known what is expected to bring to school regarding school work. That is what I mainly do. The absence is also to be documented into campusvue. If I cannot get hold of the student I ask classmates, and usually they have information about the student. At the 3rd absence, student gets a warning he/ she is placed on probation regarding attendance. And usu. from that time on they take into account their presence to be in school.
Our instructors are allowed to write both academic and attendance advisements, which we do as soon as possible in order to keep either one from becoming a bigger problem. If it is a repeated issue, we then take the problem to our Program Directors for further advisement.
At my institution students who experience Academic Erosion are asked to participate in tutoring sessions after class or to make an appointment wiht the instrutor for any course where they need more assistance. These sessions are highly effective in having students energized into completing assignments and understanding material they may not have understood in class.
Students gain confidence and feel part of the group of students in class who are participating and sharing knowledge that they now all can understand.
It is also a place to talk about issues that may interfere with their edication.
~Theresa
Our school has recently started having "At Risk" student meetings once a month. Every program has a representative that is in charge of monitoring student behavior (attendance, attitude, academics)and bringing up the students that are having issues with the other instructors, Director of Education, and School Director. This gives us a chance to brainstorm ideas to help the student and try to correct the behavior before it becomes an issue. The students are not aware that they are brought up in a meeting, as that would only put more stress on them.
When a student is overwhelmed with the work tutoring is offered to the student. Sometimes it is with the instructor and sometimes it is with someone else who might bring a new perspective to the student.
If the student does not come in for the suggested tutoring than a student advising is done to help the student understand the importance of moving forward with their academic pursuits. During the counseling some probing questions about what might be blocking them from succeeding in their academics. We also create an action plan together to help them turn around their issues.
Tutoring is available for all students in every subject. Students that avail themselves of these services tend to improve their grades significantly.
All instructors report weekly on students that they are concerned about and what they have done to help the students.
We run reports that show grades and last date that the student attended class. We reach out to these students that we see our having problems and do our best to meet with them f2f, speak with them over the phone, or communicate via email. We then let the student tell us what is happening in their life and try to help connect them with resources / solutions.
Our campus has programs in place to address both academic erosion and academic stagnation. This would include instructor led programs, as well as referrals to Licensed counselor, or academic dean.
At the instructor level, students are offered tutoring; and are required to have mandatory tutoring for failing midterm exams.
Every day I enter in student grades. I do written and verbal advisements to let them know where they stand,if they are failing or close to it. I then will update failing or at risk students every few days to let them know their grade status. I recommend tutoring for those students that are in danger. We try to devise student success strategies based on the situation.
I think some are evident in the beginning and at other times they reveal themselves further in the course or a program. The objective is to catch and address the student's weaknesses early so that they can make adjustments and still be able to be successful in the course/program.
We provide school wide surveys quarterly and email results to all faculty and students
We start with a verbal advising. If the matter persists then its a written advising. Midterm advisings are done at midterm. Students can also check our campus portal to check their grades and their absences. Unfortunately, there are many complaints from the students that accessing the portal is difficult because of IT issues.
Tyler, how well do the "needs improvement" lists of student and instructor match up? Do the students have a good idea of their strengths/weaknesses?
Paul, are your progress reports in addition to normal course grades? If so, how are they presented to the student?
In one of the courses the instructor sets time to meet with each student early in the term for one-on-one advising to go over their accomplishments and areas for improvement. I think if the students can not list areas for the improvements then the faculty can assist them, so they can always strive to learn more and perfect skills. I think that could be one intervention to prevent academic stagnation.
Our students receive progress reports throughout their tenure. This allows the student to see their personal progress and allows them to see if and where improvement may be needed. Our school has an open door policy that allows a student to voice any concern they may have.
We have an office of student advising where the sole purpose of this office is to help the student with their problems so they can continue their program of study. It works very well.
Ralph, how long have you been having the Wednesday morning meetings? Good to hear that people are responding enthusiastically.
