Get Your Students Hired
How important is the human factor in student retention?
@gmeers : I have the toughest time with the "human factor." I consider myself a nice kind hearted person,but I am often taken advantage of because of it. This makes me less likely to show the caring human side during instruction. For example, A pregnant student of mine will come up rubbing her belly and say, "I'm not feeling well today, I need to go home. " I do my best to accomodate the student and move on with my class. The next day this student gets bolder by saying, " I don't feel well, why don't we all just go home early." And its down hill from there. I'm still, however a work in progress in this area.
@gmeers :The human factor is very important. Several of my students feel like they have no other support system other than their instructors. Creating and environment where they feel trusted and respected as well as trust and respect me enables them to be more self-confident throughour their academic journey.
The HF in retention is key because students have to know the instructor is there for them as well as their peers. It is invaluable to have students and instructors work together to have a supportive and positive atmosphere.
Thanks for your response Nieva Alix.
Very important. I believe all of us need care and fair and teaching is not just passing the skill.
The human factor is very significant as it helps to build trust. When students trust their instructor,rapport is strengthened, thus if retention is a concern, the instructor can be valuable in aiding in retaining the student.
showing the student you care may boost there confidence and help them continue schooling
Reminders throughout the term of how far students have come is so important. There are many circumstances in life that we feel we could have done better or different and being reminded of what we have accomplished thus far helps to motivate and prepare for the next chapter.
By understanding the needs of the students and treating them as an adult when they don't understand a concept, will go a long way in helping keep that student in class. As an instructor we are also a mentor to many of the students who need guidance, whether in the classroom or just life in general.
Human factor increases student respect by providing positive reinforcement and recognition. Showing students you are fair and caring increases retention.
I am actually a graduate student at one school and an instructor in another subject area at different school. I can relate to many struggles students have and can illuminate the "why" side of teaching that often befuddles students. I often ask students how they would do things differently if they were in my shoes. And, for the most part, if students are struggling with the way I am presenting something or have set up an activity, I invite them to do it better and include me so that I can learn. I actually believe that there is always a way and together we'll figure it out. Although I don't intentionally place this into the class, it comes up. I am considering whether this should be placed into each class in some form or another.
Of course, we want to return and continue the connection to the place we feel valued and respected. It is important, as an instructor, that we always remember that each student brings to the classroom an unique gift.
I think sharing professional experiences from the field really help my students see that I have been where they are and that they will be successful. If I can relate something to them, they see the value and their own personal ability given job specific application.
I believe this is very important. I believe that if we show the students that we care about them and believe in them, it encourage them to try their best. In turn keeping them in the program to complete it. If we come across as cold and uncaring and the student is struggling, who is there to support and encourage them? We don't know. We could possibly be the only person giving them the encouragement.
Teri,
By keeping the human factor in mind you will be able to provide support to and for your students will upholding the rigors of your field. This is what career preparation should be about and you are doing a great job with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor involves engaging students as human beings who have a life full of experiences that have in part shaped them as learners. Each student brings these experiences--both in and out of school--to the classroom. Allowing students to share experiences orally and in writing can help them validate their lives and knowledge and help other students. In other words, students can teach other students. Tapping into their abundant knowledge base can help teachers create a productive learning environment.
What a profound statement! So true too!
Our retention is weighted with the rigor of the nursing coursework (in a 12 mth program) -- and an average of 75 being a requirement.
We make ourselves available to guide study habits, start study groups etc; but retention could definitely improve. We are investigating this.
Students are not perfect, as well as instructors. Trust and fairness rate very high in the over-all learning experience, as an adult learner.
I have ahd students tell me all the time that they cannot complete the program because they are a certain type of learner or it's just too hard etc.. I tell them that they can do it. It is tough, yes. Is it challenging at times, yes. But, I also let them know that the very same field they are entering into, there are millions of people all over the world that thought the same way and DID IT! This helps them to change their mindset a lot especially in the nursing program in which I teach.