As faculty we must show our students that our commitment is real and honest.
Previously I expressed that working with the academic counselor or support groups of the institutions, the situations presented by the students is the best way to minimize the stressors and at the same time help them to remain to achieve their academic goal.
Everyone is a part of retaining students. When students know the faculty members, program director and Dean.
The most important thing I learned from this segment on attrition is that Academic Erosion and Academic Stagnaion are the strongest specific influences on attrition. Feeling like you are unimportant and have hit a dead end changes the perception for the student on the school's committment.
Stress plays a major role on how students feel regarding their accademic success. If a student is feeling small and insignificant related to academic struggles, they are more likely to drop out. Being supportive and helpful to the students, providing them with timely feedback on assignments/exams/whatever will help decrease that stress and help them be successful and stay in the program.
Understanding the cycle of stress gives school personnel an opportunity to intervene at the onset of shock. It was interesting to learn about "Academic Erosion Stress" and "Academic Stagnation Stress." A student just yesterday told me she feels inadequate as compared to her peers and that her perception was that her peer were looking down on her. She was definitely experiencing Academic Erosion Stress.
In this section, I've learned the importance of being attentive. Attentive to students' reactions to a poor grade, confusion of a topic, attendance , etc. and distributing reassurance correctly.
There are many factors that contribute to attrition. Student percieved stressors are a major factor to them dropping out of school.
Students need a good relationship with a faculty member who cares about them. They also need to receive good service. I will make sure that my colleagues and I provide friendly and responsive service to students.
I have learned that there are multiple factors that impact attrition.
I think everyone knows that stress is not helpful in college. You have to aware of the stressors for the students and make sure to understand that and make it so it is easier.
Stressors contribute greatly to attrition so it is our main responsability as student services to ensure our students feel supported and get the support they need to stay in the program and aviod attrition.
The commitment of the school can change the student's perception and encourage their desire to remain in school. Encourage students by demonstrating a commitment to them.
the most sccessful retention efforts are built on trust
Reassurance and genuine dedication to students is very important. Students can get overly stressed and will need people around them to show they care.
the students need to feel important and feel value in what is going on
I learned that when a student is overwhelmed and need help, as an instructor it would be a good idea to set an appointment with the students to assist them toward success
Understanding that "we become what we think and, to some extent, we become what others think of us" is a powerful concept for all levels of staff to understand.
Being aware that how we react and respond to student concerns makes a difference and encourages student retention.
i learned the stages of stress and how it effects the students. Quitting is sometimes their solution. As faculty and staff we need to learn how to give positive feedback and help them with poblem solving and resources.
