Retention is Crucial
In reflecting on the content thus far, I started to see how it really is all about service and servicing our students. For years I have facilitated quality service in what I do and have seen the benefits of having and acquiring long term clients. We, as instructors need to make it about the students and center or classes around thier needs and creatively and passionately communicate the objectives in light of thier specific personalities and learning types, while keeping in mind, thier surrounding influences. Ultimately, retention comes from exceptional service and retention is crucial.
Michael,
Exactly! It is all about treating our students with dignity and compassion while we are also teaching them course content.
Susan Backofen
Retention means giving a student a reason to want to come back to class the next day. As an instructor you must communicate the course material in an enteresting manner and ending the lecture with what you will be covering the next class that will thirsty for more.
Paul,
Great observation! Instructors are critically important to retention and being prepared for class...presenting the material in an interesting and participatory manner and creating a sense of excitement about future classes are all wonderful points.
Susan Backofen
We will always have some students that are greatly exceeding and other's who need the extra help to even pass the class. I have found out that you need to spend some time with both of these students to retain them and make them want to come back. The smarter student gets bored while the failing student needs the extra help.
Martin ,
Great observation. Both extremes are, as you point out, at risk. Do you encourage the students who are catching on quickly to work with the students that need the extra help?
Susan Backofen
I give a PowerPoint Presentation on Professionalism at the beginning of the program with emphasis on the program that the students have enrolled in. This motivates students to be a professional with a positive attitude to succeed.
