Get Your Students Hired
It is a proven fact that attention to individual student needs results in an increase in retention. This attention is the responsibility of all staff members of an educational institution, not just the instructors.
Richard,
It's the little things that make all the difference in good colleges. Most folks do the big things. Not everyone does the little things you discuss. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey,
I have seen great response from something as small as a follow up on a students questions. sometimes in a lecture enviroment there may be a need for more research to fully answer some questions, this follow up not only shows and enforces to the students, we do not know everything, and we too can research for information.
The Point here is, if we do the extra things, no matter how small they may seem, the student experince, and the fact that we really do care become very evident.
Rick touchette
I agree with Jackie. I meet my students every morning and say hello and good morning. I even ask how thier weekend went if it is Monday. This seems to make the students happy that someone just ask about them.
Thanks Richard.
It does not take magic to inspire students. It takes a lot of small things that show students we care.
Thanks, Richard.
What are some other techniques your school uses to demonstrate that you are "paying attention?"
I would like to add that as we spend time and show interest in not only the students education and goals but also the hurdles overcome by the student, we may understand how difficult it may be on a day to day basis, to overcome these hurdles others may see as small.
I am sometimes surprised at how little it takes to get most students to be more into thier studies with just a couple of truly encouraging words.
Thanks, Kevin. We sometimes refer to what you discuss as "intrusive advising." In this case, "intrusive is a good thing. we go to students and get them to interact with us when there is the first hint of an issue. Wiating for them tocome to us usually means it is too late (or at least more difficult).
I have seen tremendous results from approaching students struggling to be successful and discussing their issues with them.
In several cases, though a small number related to our enrolled students, I have received positive feedback, and have been told that having someone care about them beyond the classroom has made the difference in them continuing in school.
I agree ,you must show a geniune concern or that student will see right thew you as an instructor.
I does not take a whole lot of effort to say a nice word or ask how are you doing to a student,that goes along way. Attention=Retention
By collectively showing the student that he/she is not just a number. Individualized attention is key, across the board.
Outside activities such as a fun day at the racetrack and many other auto related activites on the weekends or off school hours.
This is true, a bad interaction with any staff member can affect the student and their view of the school.
Thanks, Franz.
The little things like this make all the difference. One of the more effective Deans I know makes sure to walk the hallways before and after class and during every break so that he can greet as many students as possible.
One College Director poked his head into every first period class every day just to say hello and thank the students for being there.
Anytime you see students outside the class you should say hi and ask how they are doing. Showing them you care and that you are there to help will help them stay at school.
its like a relationship, if you don't work with your partner the relationship falls apart
Douglas,
There are a number of career colleges that employ individuals in similar positions to what you describe above. If done well, the duties of a Student Success position can really make a difference for some students.
One challenge that sometimes happens with this type of position is that some faculty members unintentionally "punt" responsibility and do not do the little things they need to do to help students be successful. It is a good idea to have very clear lines of responsibility defined.
Our school just started a new position. Student Sucess Instructor. His job is to focus on retention issues and to be a liasion between student concerns and school support services.