Kristine,
A fw moments of attention can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always seek out the students in the program that I manage to check in and see how they are progressing. As for the students who are in my classes each term, I make time for daily discussion, including private discussions, each day. The students know that they are my priority and I always remind them that I am there to see them to graduation and their first job.
I agree with the need to establish personal contact. On our first class meeting, I tend spend some relationship time getting to know the new students and reconnect with students who might be the class. I also want them to get to know a little about each other. It is so important get to know what drives the students and what their expectations might be. I want to be able to know all names as soon as possible and use the students name when seeing in other environments outside of class.
Steve,
Thank you for this post. Getting students to feel personally involved with their education is a key to retention.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I like to find out what the students passion is, it it easy to strike up a conversation about something that they are passionate about!IN my classroom everyone is passionate about motorcycles and once you start a conversation it is easy for them to feel at home and and a part of something.
Yes, we hold live chats and office hours twice a week.
Jean,
Making a personal connection is the key to retention, especially for online students. Some online programs host synchronous chats or web meeting to help build this connection. Others ask instructors to set times to speak with students through the phone or Skype.
Jeffrey Schillinger
This is a great way to learn some specifics about a student to help you remember their name along with their needs!
Greeting students and creating a comfortable environment where they feel free to express themselves good or bad.
Letting them know that you listen but there are standards that have to be met.
In the online environment we follow up with emails and text messages to check in when work is missing or we have not scene a student for more than a week
Jesus,
Thanks for this post. Career Services can be a great retention tool. Ny Director of Career Services used to visit students at least every other quarter. He made sure to publicize hirings and asked every potential employer on campus to stop into a classroom to talk to students. He and I worked together to teach interview and resume skills as part of our composition and speech courses.
Jeffrey Schillinger
As a career services advisor I make it a habit to go into introductory courses and meet all new students one on one. I introduce myself to them and explain to them some of the things they can expect from working in the industry. I also give them a brief rundown on how my department can assist them.
Eric,
Thanks for this post. Many faculty members have a class web page or use email to make sure students who miss class have access to the assignments and class notes.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I send a email to them or call them if example they did not come to class to make they are ok,and to know when they are coming back
Said,
It is a good idea to open and close every class meeting with something special. Too often things like ice-breakers only happen during the first few classes.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I generally begin my class and connect with my students using an ice-breaker activity; which in essence tackles two tasks in one. I ask for:-
- their name
- their background
- what they like to eat
- what they like to cook
- where they want to be in five years
Obviously, questions should and must be modified to fit your area(s) of instruction - which for me is culinary arts.
Hope this helps!
Said
Sandy,
Many faculty set individual appointments early in a term to get to know their students. Others send out regular emails , including before the term begins. Others facilitate activities related to the subject matter in which students provide information about themselves.
Jeffrey Schillinger
