Retention
I have learned that my classroom demeanor has a major impact on retention. Getting students involved to place them in their comfort zone is critical.
Lee,
The simplest thing to do is ask a student "How are you doing?" Most will open up readily.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Just spending time as time permits with each student will point out mentoring opportunities. We should be expressing individual interest at all times with each student. Experience will show you when you need to approach. Some students will not approach you with issues, but an observant eye will give you hints.
Jimmy,
Have high expectations and they will be met.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I always try to make sure i treat my students with due respect and careful of my demeaner.
It makes all the difference in our overall judgement and satisfaction from our students and peers.
I agree, fun, exciting, informative and motivating them on their first day and help they bond with each other to learn more. That is the main key!
Students have to believe you when you tell them that you know what's relevant in your given field so first impressions are definitely critical. At times it's hard to walk the line between reassuring the students that you are a professional in your field but not coming off as someone that's too intimidating. It want my students to feel comfortable and motivated throughout our class experience.
I think that first impressions are important too that is why a thorough addendum that outlines an instructors expectations is a must on the first day of class. Students want to know up front what the course entails and and what is involved. Having Human Development Activities (HDAs) is a good start in helping them get to know each other to develop the support system that is vital to retention. I have several different ones that I use in my classes.
I agree with all about setting the tone from the first day of class. I have also found it useful to share my stories and let them know that I have been in their shoes.
I have to agree with you 100%. How you are presenting yourself tells a lot about how you will react with them, how your teachings will affect them, how comfortable they can be. Your presentation could go both ways of being a very positive experience (where I will definitely stay in class) or very negative (I don't think that I will last in class, I am not comfortable because of his mannerisms). Recording oneself teaching is a very useful tool to see oneself as a teacher.
Class has to be fun, envolved, exciting, as well as informative in order to keed numbers up. Students have to want be there
This is a very good point this is when the students start to let down their gaurd. Sometimes it is hard to break thru if you are all business.
I try to engage each student individually in a short conversation each day. I want them to know that I am concerned about them as a person not just a student. This seems to make me more accessible and puts the students more at ease and more willing to ask for help.
Perfect. Tone and pitch makes a huge difference in retention. If the school sounds flat or thin, students wonder if they made the right choice. You have the right idea.
Dr. B
Yes, I agree that setting the tone at the start of the class is vital. If you do not keep that attitude during the whole period, it could spell disaster for you and the whole class.
I agree, Frank. First impressions truly are everything. How an instructor carries themself will set the tone for a class. If an instructor is high energy and fun to be around, the students will naturally gravitate to them. Learning will then become a natural occurance.
