paying attention comes as a byproduct to caring. I think a lot of us get to tied up to actively monitor. Realizing that with out monitoring everything else falls apart is a good point. Just make sure you realize the importance and do it.
Paying attention is critical to monitoring behavior. Students who miss are contacted by calling. This demonstrates concern which plays well into the mentoring/ monitoring model.
You are absolutely correct, Richard. What are the most important things we need to pay attention two as we interact with students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our school prides itself on our deep connection with our students througout their campus experience and post graduation with career support.
We also welcome the student's input and implement their ideas when we can.
Eileen,
What are one or two specific strategies employed at your campus to establish and maintain that "deep connection" with students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have a brief daily meeting (called a huddle) that focuses exclusively on providing updates on student status. The leaders from all the departments are required to attend this meeting.
Thanks, Jeffrey.
What goes on after the "huddle" that makes the daily discussion fruitful?
Jeffrey Schillinger
It feeds into the value of information. If one of us has an established relationship with a student and we know they're struggling, then having an impromptu conversation can only enhance the feeling that we care about our student(s).
Jeffrey,
Thank you for this post. The staffer with the best connection to an individual student has the best chance to make a difference for that student. Sharing information systematically can widen the circle of folks who can make a difference.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our school has a daily meeting with department managers...including front desk personnell and admissions reps. We are constantly talking about students who are at risk or even simply missed a day of classes. I feel like we do a great job staying on top of our students...sharing info about what is going on in their lives and making a real effort to reach out to those who need it. I think the piece that works best for us is communication. For example, if I find out from a student that s/he is struggling because of a personal issue, I will share that information with the "Team" so we can all take part in following up with the student.
Susan,
Thanks for this post. This is a common but effective approach shared by many successful career colleges.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have weekly meeting with each department,discussing indivisual students and concerns pertaining,(ie attendance,lateness, classroom participation/assignment) Decide what would be the best solution for that student. Also Monthly meeting with our Corporate leaders. We have a strong support system for each other and for our students
Our faculty and staff continuously show our students that we care. We have meetings to make sure everyone is aware of potential issues. Recently our president started a Monday breakfast from 8:30-9:00 am. Having this activity shows the students that we care, feeds them, and ensures that the student is in class on time at 9:00 am.
I think this was a creative new way to help our students
Paying attention and being a good listener is key. As educators if we are not listening we are lecturing. I enjoy listening and gently guiding the student so that they find their own solutions to their problems. This teaches critical thinking skills they can apply both in and out of the classroom setting and ultimately leads to goal oriented behaviors and retention.
At orientation we not only review policies and expectations, introduce staff and faculty and avail ourselves to students, but we ask students to introduce themselves and tell us a little about why they decided to attend school. It's a great way for everyone to learn a little about each new start right off the bat.
Instructors meet with the registrar weekly to track student progress on anyone below a B in our classes and typically those students grades suffer because of attendance. Instructors are responsible for contacting absent students and for knowing the details of student challenges that keep them from attending. The school then pools resources to help those students face those challenges.
Tina,
It is amazing how much little things like informal activities with food really mean. Pizza is probably the number one retention tool in USA.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Ana,
Many schools have stopped focusing on "the rules" during on orientation day and instead focus on building the roots of a relationship. The rules get covered during the first term and are always framed in such a way that students see how the rules benefit them.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Dave,
Thanks for this post. What are the most common challenges your students face that keeps them from attending?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have a weekly staff meeting and a separate faculty and education meeting. In these meetings we discuss any and all student concerns in order to make the whole team aware. We feel if the student has everyone encouraging them, they will feel motivated.
