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Enhancing Student Retention
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Jerry Lovrien
Jerry Lovrien

Retention -2

I have set up a "broadcast" email system utilized for all enrolled students in our disciplne to inform them of changes in the field, potential job opporltunities, legislation, etc. It is 'special'..just for them - to keep the student updated, current, and let them know they are important. They are also aware of our discipline blog...but the email is designed to go to them -- with only their name on the email.
Katrina Neckuty-Fodness
Katrina Neckuty-Fodness

Student groups

I really like to "mix" up student groups by age and agree that by doing this, we are creating rapport across different generational gaps. I think it is important for students of all ages to recognize and appreciate the value of each other's ideas. Because I teach online, I need to pay close attention to the discussion cues so I am able to mix groups appropriately to ensure variety. Clearly, this is much easier in the residential classroom.
Kathy Loecher
Kathy Loecher

acknowledging students

I like to break up long class periods by having students share an answer to a question throughout the night. This can be a question such as, "Name one thing you would like to have with you on a desert island besides food and water." This allows students to get to know each other somewhat, it allows me to get to know and acknowledge them, and for them to be comfortable around each other and in the classroom.
Lolita Keck
Lolita Keck

Listening to Frustrations

I liked reading the information about listening to frustrations. I have a tendency to always want to solve problems so I jump too quickly to giving advice about what I think the student should do. Sometimes that’s appropriate, but other times I should stop and just listen for a while. Then I can ask the student what should be done next to determine if s/he is looking for answers or for a friendly ear.
Gordon Whitehead
Gordon Whitehead

Grades as motivation

For many of my students the ultimate motivation is their grade. Immediate feedback is of course critical. When we don't give feedback within 72 hours I start getting calls and emails. But, I'd like to know if there are additional ways to integrate grade-based feedback into teaching. I mean, there are the traditional exams, quizzes, discussion points, papers, etc., but are there other creative methods that I'm missing? Gordon
Gordon Whitehead
Gordon Whitehead

Working online

Many of my courses are online. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with how we sense the need for REFOCUS in an online environment? Gordon
Gordon Whitehead
Gordon Whitehead

Retention and instructor feedback

Retention is an interesting topic. As a long-time online instructor I am aware that retention is important. However, I rarely get any feedback relative to my role in retention or the schools actual retention metrics. I wonder if anyone has seen how the school includes an instructor in these types of topics? Gordon
Gordon Whitehead
Gordon Whitehead

Combining older adult students with younger students

I teach a couple of courses where it is apparent there are older online students and young (fresh out of high school) online students. In the training it suggests small cross-age teams to help integrate. I wonder if anyone has had success in organizing online teams to achieve this goal in a class? Gordon
Bridget Hoffman
Bridget Hoffman

Clarity

In all of my classes I have incorperated a calendar along with my addendum that informs the students of what we will be doing each class period, so there is no gray area in what we will be doing each class period, as well as my expectations of them as students. I have found this extremely useful in keeping the communication lines open.
Bridget Hoffman
Bridget Hoffman

Beginning Classroom Instruction

The first day of a new class, I always have my students introduce and give a short background on themselves and then they have to tell me why they are in my class as well as what their future goals are beyond their degree. And then I share mine. :)
Amy Scott
Amy Scott

Repeated recognition and reward

Have some more experienced instructors found that Millenials need more recognition and reward than previous generations?
Bridget Hoffman
Bridget Hoffman

Positive Feedback

Students respond more positively when they are given positive feedback. I've also found that when they are praised for what they do well, they tend to work harder and come to class with a positive attitude.
Amy Scott
Amy Scott

Retention

In our program, we've tried to add a quarterly retention activity that will give students an opportunity to network in the community, meet other students/staff, and blow off some steam. Examples are going to batting cages in the middle of winter or a group bike ride in the spring. It is a nice way for students and staff to interact outside of the classroom and oftentimes creates mentoring relationships between students in the same degree program.
Bridget Hoffman
Bridget Hoffman

Student Frustrations

I've found that when students have frustrations and they don't have someone to go to, or someone that can listen and then tell them what the solution is or why something is run the way that it is, it can become very confusing and hard for the students to understand. Which makes them even more frustrated in the end. I've also found that students are more willing to come talk to you when they know that if they don't I will never know about the problem or the situation is. Communication is the best way to get through student frustrations.
Catherine Neset
Catherine Neset

Positive feedback

How do you provide positive feedback on assignments without repeating yourself with "good job" or "well done"?
Ramon Geluz
Ramon Geluz CHEP

Motivating Students

How do you motivate a class made up of different age groups and edicational attainements.
Ramon Geluz
Ramon Geluz CHEP

Age Diversity in the Classroom

How do you combine a class of hyperactive, giggly high school students with elderly professionals in search of a quiet career later in their lives?
Michael Du Pree
Michael Du Pree

Your doing Great!

You know, someone telling you Your doing Great goes a long way. Aknowledge yourself, give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it!
Glen Law
Glen Law

Mid term review

It is good for the instructor to review where he is and where the students are at the mid-term period. The is allows for any changes needed to make sure the class is a success for the student and the instructor.
Glen Law
Glen Law

Student job status

In addition to finding out background informaltion about a student on the first day of class, I always try to find out if they have a job, what it is or if they are looking for a job. In today's economy it is good to know where they are in this area, and if I can be of any help based on my experience.