Get Your Students Hired
I work for a very smart man and his philosophy on student retention is “self esteemâ€. What he means by this is many students will create any excuse not to attend school and when you remove the barriers they still do not attend. He believes that the true reason they do not attend is their poor self-esteem. These students have esteem issues and have rarely finished anything. Our school is just another effort not completed. It is difficult to quantify his theory but I believe we have all seen it in action. Even more difficult is how to overcome it.
This is such an important step in education, having instructors reinforce student Self-Esteem and it can truely improve there retention of subject learned.
Matthew--
Good for you! We often forget to give praise and affirmation when someone does a good job; so much easier to focus on correcting something.
Susan
I agree with this philosophy and statement. Self esteem is something that all of us hold dear. Boosting someones self esteem is something that is gratifying and makes you feel awesome. As an instructor I give praise where praise is due. I have found that when I compliment students on a job well done, the result is a lower absentee and drop rate.
Paul, I tend to agree with you about the self-esteem issues. I have students who were abused as children, told they would never amount to anything, and even slapped in the face when they told their parent(s) they signed up for college. I was concerned about how I would reach these students and keep them in class. Fortunatley, I have a great staff on my campus that brings up these types of issues during our in-service days to keep us focused on the end goal and educate us on the types of students and attitudes that walk in the door.
I'm glad someone started this thread. I've been waiting for months to share my thoughts about self-esteem.
Absolutly agree. It is very important that the students know that the instructor is there not just "to teach' but to help them with their bad experiences in the past and overcome their fears.
Luis--
I agree! And unfortunately this behavior has been allowed. That is why it is so important for us to set the right expectations in class to help them prepare for the workplace.
Susan
A problem that I find is that some students have a low self esteem and act accordingly. They are late with their homework and projects and act as if they didn't care because that is what a student as the one they believe they are should act.
I certainly believe providing students friendly class room and if the students involved with the classroom meterials will be most effective for them to be intresting to stay with the school, And ofcource instructor play greatest role in that process!
Cole--
You are correct...everyone wants to be successful and sometimes it just takes a little extra effort to show students we believe in them.
Susan
I believe that it is our job as instructors to lift up those students with low self esteem and show them that they can do the work that we set forth. All it takes is a little effort on our part and the retention rate will increase.
Some of our online classroom discussions focus on describing their experiences of the past so we can get a better picture of their fears. It amazes me how often they may have been told by teachers in high school that they would never be able to learn or do well. My reply in those situations is to ask if they are the same people now as they were back then and 99% of them say "no." This gives me the opportunity to refocus them on the fact that I am available to help them now and we will work together as a team. The past needs to be "history" and then we can stay focused on changing the future.
I believe in a positive response to any lab activity the student shows me...whether its good or bad, I praise them for doing the job then critique the work and explain how it could be better.
Troy--
How wonderful that you have seen through her 'act' and are willing to help bring out the best in her. Kudos!
Susan
Paul,
Great point! I have often thought that but have not articulated it. I have one student who I am mentoring. This student is a perfect example of what you are describing. In class she puts on her “in the hood†personae but behind closed doors she is demure and respectful. Now if I can lure her out of the personae and get that chip off her shoulder she will be a great success.
Paul--
Very true. That is one reason why it is important to help them succeed. Unfortnately, some will never do what is necessary to make that happen. Some will succeed regardless. It is the vast majority in the middle where we can make the most difference. Having someone believe in them is important.
Susan