Team Building is part of rentention
I believe that when the students bond together as a team they can support each other and are more likely to stay in the program.
I teach composition and one of the tactics I incorporate into the classroom is working on the student's public speaking skills. I provide weekly topics and ask them to organize their thoughts into 3 talking points and share them with the class. I review elements of good public speaking skills in accordance with Toast Masters.
After the student presents on a topic the audience then critiques the speaker by pointing out what they did well to keep them engaged and offers suggestions on how to engage the audience better next time.
I have found this to be very helpful because the students get to know each other better and bond as a unit. They also learn that they can seek each other for academic and personal friendships.
Public speaking is a tough topic for most people, Isabella. Sounds like you have found a way to make is less threatening. How do your students respond?
I think that is a very good point. I think when students teach and show each other some of the concepts, sometimes it makes more sense to them. Also, I think it reinforces what the "teaching" student has learned and shows the "learner" student that its not such a difficult concept after all.
Good points, George. Do you use this technique in your classes? If so, how often? Can it be overused?
I think team building is critical to have the students buy into the program they have enrolled in. I try and have been successful in developing a sense of family and belonging among my students. I instill this in their minds from day one. They help each other when they see one of their fellow students struggling. Outside of class, they text and call each other to discuss difficult concepts in A & P. Therefore, they don't want to be the one to drop out. To them it's like leaving your family.
Melvin, even family members occasionally feud. How do you create this sense of family and handle conflicts that may arise?
Yes even family members feud however having a mutual respect for each other can resolve many conflicts that arise. Having the students participate in group activities in the classroom lets them bond and work together and creates a sense of belonging to the group like a family.
I believe this is effective, but I wouldn't want it to alienate the high achievers. Sometimes in a group setting the high achievers might feel as if they are pulling more than their share of the load. I try to mix up the group and individual activity in such a way that those who are challenged feel that sense of belonging and that those who want to individually achieve can still do so.
Paul, sounds like quite a challenge. How do you manage this balance?
