All instructors including the lead instructors try to know every student on a first name basis. All students that are no call/no show are contacted by their instructor and lead instructor.
The president of the school trys to stop by every class at least once a week.
Instead of a lounge we started a skills lab which incorporates students from both campuses and all programs. This has been so successful in keeping the students. It is structured but relaxed - students learn and teach their fellow students. Instructors volunteer their time and students enjoy working and learning with different instructors.
With regard to the students' academics, it will come to my attention which students grasp the subjects quick, and which need time to understand and or acquire the skills. I may do one one or group tutoring during lab if other students do not need me at the time. With regard to the school students can sign up for tutoring being it with me or another instructor. Also students are contacted with the first absence and given a written warning which they need to sign with the 3rd absence. If students have problems with transportation, they can sign up for car pooling. These are some of the supportive tools to help of attention leading to retention.
Mandatory tutoring if student does poorly on a test, calling absent students inquiring if there is a problem, taking this course on retention, paying increased attention to student satisfaction surveys.
phone calls or emails when class is missed
greeting students as they enter class
I participate in non-school / interpersonal discussions during breaks and before/after class
regular one to one advising
Thank you, Cynthia. These are common but effective strategies.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Every student needs to know they matter and are important. We give out pins for accomplishments, attendance, and grades. Students always get a phone call when absent. I also do attendance parties for the class. It encourages them to all be there so they do not let there class mates down.
Cassandra,
Thank you for this post. Do you do any formal measurements, such as a DICS profile or multiple intelligences test, to identify specific student needs?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our school, our program specifically, uses hands on labs where each student gets individual attention. We also have them work in groups to collaborate amongst each other. We try to give a little bit of class time for them to start on assigned homework so they may ask questions if they have any. Each student is different and we work hard to focus on them as individuals with individual needs.
Tyler,
Thank you for this post. Being approachable has to be accompanied by seeming approachable. Some teachers struggle in the latter area.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Tabitha,
Thank you for this post. What are some of the things students must successfully complete to earn a pin? How are they awarded?
Jeffrey Schillinger
One thing that I have personally tried to do in my life as an instructor or administrator is to make myself more approachable by the students. Trying to reduce barriers that would limit communication between students and myself and simply make them feel more comfortable. First, always treat students as adults and with respect, even if their behavior may not always warrant it, it is our duty to model the appropriate behavior. I practically always have my door open with a bowl of candy, which purpose is bring people into my office, make them smile, and hopefully strike up a conversation. However, it takes a whole team to build these relationships.
Students love the pins they get for their achievements. It also helps when they know you are interested in their future and in their success, as their teacher.
Seth,
Great example of how retention comes from attention. Thanks for sharing this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have assessment/progress report forms to complete, monitor their attendance, identify students who excel and give them achievement certificate awards, and identify students who struggle and provide tutorial.
We constantly check in with our students. From Day 5 to the day they graduate. We sit down with each of our students and talk with them to give them constant feed back during their time at our school. It keeps everyone on pace to graduate. Constant check ins help students to know if they are falling behind before it is too late to do anything about. It provides the school with feed back on how the student are doing.
Alice,
The calls are most effective when the attitude conveyed is one of caring and support.
Jeffrey Schillinger
The program directors are responsible for contacting the students in our program. If I am not able to speak with the student, I usually leave a message saying, "just checking to make sure you're okay and if there's anything I can do for you." This call is usually appreciated.
Alice,
Who is responsible for contacting the students? Some schools do not clearly define this and students are either missed or fee like they are being stalked.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We compile a daily absentee list, send it to everyone (administration,staff, and instructors) on campus. All are encouraged to reply with any pertinent (school related or personal) info they have regarding any student on the list.The students are contacted to make sure that they are okay and are on track.
We regularly have special days where students don't have to wear their uniforms. For example, when the local NBA team is in the play-offs, students can wear Spurs gear. On other occasions, we serve ice cream or hot dogs or popcorn. On other occasions, we go into the classrooms and handout small tokens of gratitude.
In addition, we recognize perfect attendance in each classroom and give a certificate and star (in front of their peers.)
