Student retention relies on so many factors. As the title states, “General Strategies.” Strategies, while specific, usually have general results. What remains is that student retention requires an instructor to at one time be as light-hearted as a late-night talk show host and at other times be as stoic as an airline captain during take-off or landing. Given that students come in all “shapes and sizes” the instructor must be a chameleon in that the leadership style they foster has to model their student’s expectations and their own strategies for succeeding in the course but also in life.
It isn’t enough to have a light-hearted pizza day. If 28 out of 29 students are experiencing pizza euphoria and one of the students is experiencing doldrums, the instructor has to consider that individual. It would be awesome if pizza or ice cream could quell the acrimony a student is experiencing because of their class performance due to an off-campus disruption. Yet, the show must go on. The instructor must do what is best for the many while at the same time a smidgen of focus on those that might not feel so celebratory remains a factor.
Human factors that set the stage for student success is dependent upon respect for participation. An instructor’s outward respect for participation is paramount and deserves personal attention so as to set a stage that is inclusive yet exclusive. This kind of learning environment is open for all to participate so that goals and expectations will be met by the majority of students.
