We are given the opportunity to take time to get to know our students so that I can share with them my eperiences in private practice to help them with whatever concerns they have as to their careers.
Tracy,
These are tried and true strategies that, if delivered with an intelligent heart, help students succeed.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We call our students directly if they are absent. We have an awards ceremony after each term and give them a certificate for things like perfect attendance and academics based on their GPA. We have student appreciation cookouts several times a year.
Daniel,
Thank you for sharing this well-written post. You are definitely paying attention.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Well, our school is lab based i.e. culinary arts so students are cooking, using knives etc. We touch base with them by literally stopping at their work stations at least 3 times per lab, usually more, to see their progress. We also give a one on one assessment of their work when it is completed. Additionally we do an intro at the beginning of the lab for the group, which is almost like a check for retention as we have already discussed the day prior what we will be doing, as well as a recap of the day’s objectives and learning activities afterward.
Thank you for this post, Daniel.
What are the most effective strategies you use to "touch base" with students in each class?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our school does several things, some that are general and one that is very specific. For the overall population we recognize perfect attendance, various different clubs and differing GPS such as 4.0 and 3.75 for each semester. The students who fall into these categories are recognized on monitors throughout the campus. We also ask each teacher to touch base with each student at least 3 times per day in class, this really works.
Deborah,
Many career colleges call students who are absent, with mixed results. The key to making the calls "fruitful" is the attitude of the caller. If the call is made with a sincere desire to help, it usually will. If it is just to put an "I called" check in the box, it will not be as effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Joanne,
These types of recognition programs are very effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have to provide daily feed back and it is mandatory we call students when they are absent.
We reward perfect attendance with a pin and if they score higher than a 95% they make the Deans List that is posted on a board and they also receive a pin and Certificate. So we are always cheering them on.
Kelsey,
These are all excellent strategies to support student success.
Jeffrey Schillinger
There are several key factors our school does to demonstrate that we are paying attention to the students. Some of these include meeting with new students daily over their first 28 days. Holding program specific meetings monthly. Meeting with them one-on-one once a week as a new studnet, within the first two weeks for other studnets and ongoing throughout each term. Having an open door policy. Highlighting studnets of the month,as well as instructors of the month. We also hold contests for students in recognition of jobs well done.
James,
What does the campus leadership do when they identify a need based on these evaluations?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Tania,
Thank you for this post. What are the most common reasons students miss class? What are the toughest to help with?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have class evaluations that the students fill out about the instructor. This lets the school know how we are doing as an instructor all together.
We have Tuesday Attendance Review. We see who missed a day that week and contact them to make sure everything is okay and if there is anything we may help with.
We also have rewarding systems for students who are serious about attending class. I feel that the more the instructor can pay individual attention to the students as much as possible the better off they'll be, meaning they'll feel welcomed daily.
Nicole,
I love the lamplighter idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We do the same as others.... pins for accomplishments, certificates, we listened to concerns and upgraded student lounges and study areas. Our school also has a Lamplighter program .A student is nominated by their instructor /PD ... this program highlights the students attendance,academics , postitve attitude and willingness to help others. I believe this has tremendously helped others wanting to reach the goal of the same thing.
