Attention = Retension - Works
I have to admit that attention=retension really works, this with the 3M's is a very important part of us, as instructors have to help our students suceed in not only school but in their future professional life. I have change my styles of teaching to try to find ways to get through to the students, and help with them learning the material for more than a matter of a few weeks. I have gone from being extreamly bounded by the rules, to a more light hearted way of helping using more understanding of how things are from their point of view. We all at one time were students and of course we all still are students because learning never really stops, but to see things as we did when it was new and we didn't know the answers or how to find the answers. This puts you as the teacher in differant place of awareness, and too remember it takes a while for some to crasp the new ideas that we are teaching them.I use jokes to lighten things up but still stay to the heart of the matter, I always ask where they were and how are things today. This has made things in my class room change greatly as to the attention=retention idea. I believe that everyone can find a quality in them selves and use that to help with their growth as a teacher, try new ideas, throw out the rule book, but keep common sense rules of life that most can agre on, and your classes will grow to numbers of scale, but most of all they will all retain the material and stay in school.
It sounds like you are becoming an "Intelligent Heart." The more Attention the greater the Retention. Keep up the good work!
I couldnt agree more Mark. This place does as much for me as it does them.
I too need to agree with Mark. I always make an attempt to interact with as many of our students as possible. Asking about what they think of the school as a whole, improvements that could be made, as well as seeing how life is for them outside of school. I have noticed that the vast majority of the students that I engage in this way end up graduation from the school, and usually with much better grades and a much more positive attitude.
It also keeps them talking about the school in a positive way which brings in more students.
I use the Attention=Retention method in my everyday interactions with students not only to increase retention but to build a open communication with them. Something as simple as smiling, asking how they are doing, asking about there weekend, etc. can really increase the students trust of you and let them know that you care. This is a crucial part of the students overall educational experience.
Jesus,
This is a great example of Attention = Retention. I try to create some form of interaction with every student I meet. Most aren't even in my program, but they come talk to me about several things because they feel comfortable as a result of the attention.
I also take time to ask the students how they are and where they were if they miss a day. I have gotten some very combative responses because most of the students are not used to people caring about what is going on in their lives. A little attention can go a long way with most students.
The one thing that I try to use in my classroom for my examples are things I remember from when I was a student. I try to let them know that I do know how they feel and that I wish I would have reached out to my professors more when I needed "support." I let them know that I am here for them and want to know their circumstances. I send a survey around at the beginning of class & try to create myself a cheat sheet to use throughout the course so I remember to insert personal and meaningful things into my grading rubric. Everyone wants to know that someone cares about "them" as an individual...
Thanks, Lori.
In my experience, many students do not ask for help when they need it, even when they know they can. I talk to my team about "intrusive advising" wherein they make the first move toward a student instead of waiting for the student to come to them.
Your point about caring is spot on.
The best part about Attention=Retention, is that it is a real pleasure getting to know your students. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people by getting to know them. It is a wonderful feeling when your students trust you and seek you out when they need help, advice or just someone to talk to.
I Agree with Mark's blog here. Attention=Retension does really work. However, all of instructors here making comments, we have to realize if we are not top of our game, it also falls apart. For example, if you have personal problems such as divorces, death in the family, or other personal issues that you let them affect you in the classroom, you will not able to give Attention=Retension it's due. We as an instructor must able to separate personal life and classroom situation.
