Attendance
After reviewing the module and thinking about this topic. I have to say that continually working on attendance with students is important because students do care that you care about them. I have called many students and although they sounded as if my call was not appreciated by the end of the conversation they were glad I did and most attempt to do better. Attention=Retention is key because if we care and show it, I truly believe students will do better and remain in school focused on their goals.
Pauline,
This is a tried and true strategy at most career colleges. The key is how we make the student feel during the call.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I will give the student a call also make sure students are aware of any assignment they may have missed so they won't feel lost or behind when they return to school.
James,
Many career college instructors' first inclination is to try to "punish" the students who do not come to class regularly. Your post shows that you understand that inspiring students is the most effective way. In short, reward the behavior you want.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Even though I(we as an institution) follow all these principles. It is also necessary to make the students to want to attend class. This has proved to be the most difficult. I will use motivation through entertainment, I start my class with some unusual, fun or otherwise strange questions. Utilizing their critical thinking skills to come to an answer. This helps the class becoming more interactive. The feedback I get back from class will let me gauge how things are going.
I agree also. The choice the students have made in attending school goes along with learning responsibility and accountability when they enter the work force. We can show we care, but corporate companies out there are not going to hold their hand so we do need to find that balance. I expect from my students what is expected in a job. Of course there are times where they must miss class, but there is a proper process to follow, which shows that they care about their college career and their future. And it also shows respect for their fellow students and instructor.
Thanks Diane,
The care you take to stay in touch with your students and to express your concern is what makes you an effective mentor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree. I call and email students when they are not in class to let them know what they missed. They also have a weekly outline so they know what we did in class when they were absent. I always follow up with them when they come back. For example, if a student missed because of sick children, I will ask if the children are feeling better. If the student missed because he or she was sick, I will ask if he or she is feeling better. I will also send a postcard telling them that I missed them in class.
I just let my students know how important it is to be in class daily but that I also understand that sometimes they have to miss and that I will help them an anyway to make the work up that they missed.
Finding that balance can be tricky, Juanita.
When we hold our students accountable we are showing caring. They need to develop a sense of self-efficacy. We can still give second and third chances and we can still be caring even when we give zeroes for missing work.
I agree. I find it hard sometimes to find a balance in caring and holding them accountable. I do care about my students, but I also feel that they need to be responsible adults. I always try to work with students who come to me with issues, and I try to talk to those that don't come to me, but I don't feel that I should have to tell an adult over and over and over again that they need to turn in their missing assignments. I want to find a good balance.
In class I will convey to the students that we do care about them and their education. Students in class will know I care because they will receive the attention they deserve through class interaction and letting them know the importance of sharing in class for a better understanding of the course material. The students who are present all the time (perfect attendance) need to see that we also care about them and not just those who are not present for class for whatever reason. Being fair to all students is important to me and I want to be sure they all know as an instructor we care about their success.
Thanks for this post, Dionne,
Following up with students who miss is a good way to show you care. What are some things you do in your class to deliver this same message to students who are in school?
