Linking Relationships to Retention | Origin: EL201
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Communication: Engaging and Retaining Online Learners --> Linking Relationships to Retention
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I learned how important strong working alliances are for student success, especially in online settings. The distinction between a customer‑service mindset and a helping‑profession mindset helped me see how meaningful, supportive relationships directly influence retention and campus climate.
I plan to apply this by communicating with warmth, being proactive in reaching out to students, and creating interactions that build trust and clarity around goals. Strengthening these one‑on‑one connections will help students feel supported and more engaged in their learning.
The important things that I learned are that we as educators need to set the tone for the class whether the class is online or in person. This will help with student retention, confidence in performance of technique as well as in the content they are taught.
Comment on Vicki Hoppe's post: Being available to answer questions is very important to the students.
The most important and relevant thing I learned with this module is the difference between Customer Service and the having a professional supportive relationship with the students.
Empathy in education is defined as the capacity of instructors, staff, and administrators to proactively recognize and act sensitively (compassionately) to a student's perceptions, emotional needs, and experiences. Creating a supportive environment allows students to be visible as human beings, not as robotic agents that digest new knowledge. We need to consider our behavior with the goal of not only enhancing students’ engagement and learning process, but to also handle them gently to promote their mental well-being. I am reminded of a saying that incorporates the need to “walk a mile” in a person’s “moccasins.” It is attributed to a poem, “Judge Softly” by Mary T. Lathrap (dated 1895). We do not know the burdens that our students and other members of the learning community experience, so being empathetic is a necessary part of being humane.
Faculty and students need to have a mutual supportive and open communication in order to create a positive learning environment.
This institution is focused on creating a positive learning atmosphere for students where they feel supported and free to ask questions
Comment on Ricky Crayton's post: Agreed, and taking the initial steps can support and motivate those who are a little more reserved about asking for help. I find meeting them where they are is a good approach.
Reinforces how students who feel supported and connected and a sense of community are more likely to succeed and grow.
Important concepts from this module and how they can be applied in real-life situations. I plan to use this knowledge to improve my understanding and apply the strategies in my work and daily tasks.
will use to have a better aproach with my students.
Creating an open working relationship with students encourages their ongoing learning and completion of the program. Creating a good rapport lets students know they are valued and seen.
Building confidence, encouraging them to continue to be the best and they can be build a great relationship
Making sure students always feel welcome heard and seen while in the classroom and clinic floor. Reassuring them that they matter, their voice matters and guiding them through rough spots. Checking for understanding of lessons.
Strong, intentional relationship, are one of the most influential factors student retention and success.
I will continue to use warmth and respect when communicating with students.
usse empathy and keep a neutral enviornment
For myself, I want to know how to balance the student/instructor relationship with the professional/future professional relationship between myself and my students. Communication and points of contact are huge to help meet needs that are present! You have to know about the need to be able to meet it so to be able to create a relationship of trust will help to open up the communication piece.
I thought it was a good course. Students struggle with more than just learning. It's good to be mindful and offer a helping hand so there's no self doubt stepping into this field.
