Get Your Students Hired
What additional intervention steps are recommended for students that repeat or continue the dropout cycle with new circumstances, events, or a new crisis?
I always think the more resources you can help the student succeed and know their options and who is available to help them thru their crisis. We need to contiue to follow up with them every other day, every 3 days and then to once a week until they can officially say that they are in it for the long hall. Get them incolced in weekly tutoring and events around the campus.
I have found that most "Ready to Quit Students" really do not want to quit but feels quiting is the only avenue to handle whatever is going on with them. As the instructor, i try to be proactive rather reactive. Once the student is identified, i spend extra time with them outside class to suggest tools that can help with their stressful situation and let them know that i am available for further assistance. i have used this process for several students in the last three years and they have stayed in school and graduated with gratitude.
When I have come across a student who seems ready to give up, I have had a one on one talk to try to get to what the root issues are. If these issues are financial or family related, I will try to go to the administration to see if there are any programs or outside agencies available to help, and I also try to motivate the student if it is issues related to “is this what I really want to doâ€, or “can I really do the work involved†issues. It helps to re-motivate the student when he/she feels that you are concerned
Again, the issue of relevance comes to play. If the instructor can make a practical application between content and career work, the student engagement is more likely. Wanda Bailey
Hi Maureen,
Yes, it is the little things that count. Working through your 10-minute break with the student, staying a few minutes late after class to clarify things, etc. These things matter to students. They truly believe that you care from these small gestures.
Patricia
Excellent,sometimes I will volunteer a few minutes from my lunch break to assist my students; showing that you care, and are willingness to devote extra time will motivate students, as they realise you are hanging in there with them.
Hi Michael,
As instructors we must know how to read the signs of ready to quit students, and there are many signs. We also must be proactive and not reactive. Most of the time we can save these students who are ready to quit.
Patricia
Looking for the red flags is so important, especialy as instructors where we get to work with the students face to face on a daily basis,we have an advantage at helping troubled students befor it is to late. Sometimes the sollution can be very simple, its just getting them in front of the rite person to help them.
Hi Yulia,
At my institution, instructors must post daily on their voicemails the daily assignments so that when students call in they get the assignments. Also at my institution, the students have a call-in policy. If the student fails to call in the first time, a written warning is given, and the documentation is placed in the student file. If the student violates the policy a second time, the student is suspended for one day, and all work done or due on that day results into a zero. Employers will not tolerate employess not calling in.
Patricia
A lot of times students are dropped because of their accumulated absences. I ask my students to contact me ay time they are absent, so I will be able to send them the assignment and outlines from the lectures. In this case, students don't feel that they fall behind too much even if they missed the class.
the key to help a student is to make sure we are believable and that we are there to help because we want to, not because we have to
Hi Rick,
Experience is the best teacher. You probably know how to better sympathize and empathize with these type students based on your experiences. I am sure you have great advice to give them. Try to retain as many as possible!
Patricia
for those particular students i can usually relate well. I listen to their situations and let them know (without deluting) that i have been in similar situations as them. I will tell them what helped me get through and if not what ways might work for them. One good thing is i have been there done that.
Hi Bharat,
Ready to quit students is a constant battle. You are right, we must get to the root of the problem. At my institution, we get the entire personnel involved in retention. We have done extremely well with our retention over the last 18 weeks by getting everyone involved when students are ready to quit.
Patricia
As instructors we must first talk to the student who are ready to quit and find out the reasons behind their decision.
One of the reasons I find is lack of self confidence. I am a math teacher and I know that lot of students have fear of math. They believe they will never be able to learn math. I always encourage them and try to boost their confidence. I give them my own example how I overcame the fear of math at high school.
They may have social and other reasons. We must always try our best to help them overcome their problems.
Hi Bruce,
I generally know if a student is repeating a course, and as an educator, you really like to try to make a special effort to help the student succeed.
Patricia
I always try to check the back round of my students before a new class to see if there are any students that have taken the course before and that way I will know which students I should direct extra help towards to help them not be a repeat drop out or fail the course. If the student has had a problem before I will be better prepared for it.
Hello Bernie,
Student retention is always a constant battle. At my institution 98% of the student body is from surrounding areas, and retention is still very challenging. It is simply the nature of the business, retention is always at the top of the things to do list.
Patricia
I agree. Student come to my school from all over the country and beyond. In some cases they are not financially, or emotionally prepared to be away from home. We have a team of people from concerned departments to work with these student but a few still don't make it. Student retention has become a top priority at my school and new programs have been put in place to evaluate and inform prospective student .