Adult Learners and their busy schedules
Our school has many ways of recognizing the students and helping them with their academic and personal challenges. Most of the suggestions in the Module 3 thread we already have in place. In adult education the students do not seem to have any time available to attend non class events due to their work schedule, family commitments, and school schedule. Our students are in class for 5 hours a day, have a job that most need just to pay the bills, and then time for family. The syllabus and curriculum do not leave much time available. In the past we have had hot dog cookouts between classes and extended the start times for the students, providing them a meal and a chance to relax and eat. But that memory quickly fades. We have to constantly give them a pat on the back to provide that sense of accomplishment in order to keep them engaged. I am all for that! I am proud of anyone that chooses to learn a new career, whether it is their first career or fifteenth. I think it is the frequency that needs to be considered. With their schedules being as packed in as they are, how would you go about increasing the amount of recognition?
I like the prime parking spot idea. That is really do-able at our school.
I've got another idea. It's a small thing, but I'm going to see if it's acceptable to let my classes join in on a big YEE HAW on the last day, when they all pass my class.
I agree that the life schedule that most students have is not concidered when they first enrole into a class and as they progress through their learning they find they did not have as mush free time as they thought and that normal life issues:health,family,work take even more of their time and they begin to struggle with their studies.Tring to help and guide students thru life issues is sometime dificult and tricky.
You got it. Being engaged is the key.
Dr. B
I believe as long the studetns feel like someone is involved in their lives good things will happen. We have a lot of students who have not led a perfect life and anything we can do in the way of recognition goes a long way. We do little things.
Yes, a secret to success. Have students be engaged in planning events. The idea is to build relationships and a relationship equals trust.
Dr. B
I agree with your concerns about adult learners and campud activities. We have many of the same challenges. We can promote events until we turn blue, but many of our student are working with families and simply do not seem to have the time to spend and what we do soimetimes does not seem to make the impact that we would like, but I have also found that the more involved the students are in the planning of the event the more likely the attendance will be higher because they feel connected to it.
Michael,
You can use many programs to increase student recognition without adding out of class activities. Some suggestions:
1) Award a prime parking space to the "student of the month" and announce the winner in each class each month.
2) Have instructors choose a student of the week or month in each individual class. Present the student with a certificate of achievement they can take home to show family or friends or put in a portfolio.
3) Hold attendance contests where winners are awarded gas cards or gift cards for the mall or meals out.
Those are just a few I can think of that my school has used in the past!
Our school is great about career contests, guest speakers, etc. but like Michael's students, most of the students are working, going to school, and seem to have little time for socializing outside of class. One thing we do not have is a break room and I do believe that would foster more of a social atmosphere and lead to better retention. However, I am a new adjunct instructor( at this campus), so not sure how much imput I have. But I have had students complain to me about the lack of a break room or a lounge area for students.
That's a challenging question Rachel! A similar problem of connecting students accompanies the online degree programs. Students are in different time zones, various levels of experience, different points in their academic degree program, etc.
I use group projects as a means of connecting students. The students are grouped by time zone and all groups are small....3 to 4 students. They are encouraged to arrange conference calls and use discussion boards. Although far from perfect, it has produced some supportive friendships and competition.
Rachel, you may want to consider having someone late in the self paced program mentor (voluntarily) someone just getting started.
Bob
What would be your suggestions for programs that are strictly online? This almost seems like an impossible task for our company since the students register anytime and the programs are self-paced.
