By showing students that we are invested in them. We are invested in assisting them reach their goals - graduation and career - through on campus services.
I feel people succeed when they are prepared. Giving students the hard knock truth can better prepare them for what is ahead.
In our institution we have a motto: retention is everybody's business. We have posters with the slogan in offices to remember at all times that the success of our students is our success. It is part of the institutional culture. The faculty is critical because they are with the student at all times. We have a quick referral system to address situations that may prevent that a student does not reach their academic goal.
Searching out other partners in the community that can provide information that could help a student succeed. I have found that students sometimes do not know what is available to them (resources in the community are valuable).
I think strategies to improve student outcomes must start the minute a student contacts the school. Making sure there is a clear presentation of what the program has to offer and what it will take for the student to be successful is critical. Being clear on the demands and expectations is essential from the beginning. Also making sure a student understands what resources are available to them to be successful is an important strategy from the beginning.
A lot of the posts have great comments about things that are operational in nature. What about the degree programs and learning content themselves? Is there a sense of quality review of the competencies that a students needs to have when s/he walks out the door of the class? Does the student believe that s/he can actually do the job after the degree, or does the program require things that do not create strong employees or members of a profession? Focusing on quality of programs is a competitive advantage just as much as the mission statement, and it's an area that attracts students without much work from a marketing or business office point of view.
One thing I've seen done is put more responsibility on instructors to track attendance accurately, then follow up with the student to see how things are going. In my opinion, this kind of standard cuts both ways. It de-emphasizes the teacher's unique skills and purpose for being at the school in the first place, though the teacher is the best contact to the student.
A high-touch environment, where administrators have a good feel for how students are doing and is talking with them, can do wonders to improve student engagement for success. Consistent milestone reviews or interviews with students can help students succeed.
But the best way for students to succeed is through engaging, appropriate learning content. If the learner is doing a program in a specific area, that area should be both exciting and meaningful for the learner, preparing that person to make a strong salary and a positive contribution to the industry or job after school. Solid, engaging content brings its own rewards.
I think that you are correct in the accountability part. I also think that a measured response is correct as well.
Finding the different ways that people learn is important. I like your assessment.
Students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
I believe that mentoring students both formally and informally can improve a students chance to succeed especially early in their academic career. Sometimes it only takes 1 F to convince a student that they are not college material and then it is our job to reassure them that it is not the end of the world and in most classes they can bounce back from a bad grade. Then we need to discuss options with the student on how they can acquire additional academic help, time management or test taking skills. Usually that will be enough to at least convince them to go to the class again. Students want to succeed they just need to know that it is ok if they need to ask for help.
One way is to find out a student's expectations and listen to their needs.
Frequently review students' progress and offer insight and assistance once areas of difficulty are identified
Our job as employees of the school is to ensure that students succeed. Once admitted to the school some students need direction, guidance, and assistance in virtually every area where other students come prepared and ready to learn. The latter student needs a facilitator to help the garden as much information as you be absorbed, while the former student is the one that needs assistance. Takes a great deal of work to ensure that the student that is struggling receives the help they need. Advising, tutoring, and possibly disability services may need to assist the student in their quest. If the student is struggling guiding them to the necessary assistance becomes incumbent on every employee of the school.
My thoughts are that staff and faculty members should have the right attitude and approach when dealing with students to help them succeed.
Helping student outcomes is the responsibility of every staff member and faculty
Be very factual, no sugar coating; Be nurturing and motivating.
Keep constant communication with students. Frequently check their progress to identify any potential concerns or problems. As those arise, assist them in getting the help they need to keep them on track.
