Retention v. Initial Acceptance
It seems to me that retention is only possible with one who desires to be retained. It has been my experience that instructors have a better view of a students desire than an admissions representative. Far from a criticism this appears to be a truism. As such, how can one better balance the success anticipated by the admissions representative of a new student with the success (i.e., retention) actually achieved in the classroom.
Motivation, or lack thereof, should never be underestimated. Balanced with maturity it might be the greatest determiner of student persistence. On the other hand, administrators might have information an instructor does not. For example, if a student is not doing well in one class, he or she might be doing well in others. But I agree that instructors should have a better view of student desire than an admissions rep.
I dont believe that admissions reps even care about retention rate. Once the student starts class they get paid so they try and convince every person who walks through the door to sign up reguardless of weather the person can actually do what they are signing up for.
Very well stated Mr. Bergeman. I think that instructors do indeed possess a specific type of knowledge that elucidates and enlightens in regards to what a student may expect. That being said, I think that one with a quality student that desires the education that is being proffered. As we all know, the type of raw ingredient that one starts with helps determine what the resulting product will be. I think with the special knowledge that instructors possess (and this is not a castigation toward admissions), there is an imbalance in perspective.
James
That is a great perspective. I am in concert with the perspective of students doing well in one course while perhaps not so well in others. We can also attempt to adapt our curriculum to utilize what is working in the other course where the student is successful.
James
I feel that your statement is unfortunately accurate of the state of the industry in the last decade. This is one of the reasons why there has been so much scrutiny, especially on private, for-profit organizations.
It is very important that a student is given the proper information about their new endeavorers. If the student understand what is required and expected our retention percentage will be better.
I would have to agree that a lot of students are not properly prepared to come into classes. I teach courses that students take their very first quarter and some seem to lack the basic skills to even begin school while others seem to lack the understanding of what school and studying is in general. I've had some students that seem surprised that I expect them to do work outside of class on their own time.
I teach anatomy & physiology which can seem quite overwhelming to students, especially if they've never had it before. A student can be easily intimidated by it. I find it crucial to track student progress early on and try to detect if they are falling behind. Once overwhelmed, they're easily gone. It seems that admissions criteria helps determine if a student can do the work but its often the intructor's skill that determines if a student will persevere or leave.
