Bill Shenenberger

Discussion Comment

New instructors are encouraged to attend at least one orientation session so they can observe the methods used and the responses given from new students. They are invited to attend as often as they want to after that. We also conduct a mandatory 16 hour training workshop session for all instructors prior to being in the classroom. We cover these issues with them at that time. Part of the training includes asking the students what 'backup' plans the students have when the meet with them the first time so the students are hearing the same story from all of us.

Bill Shenenberger

Discussion Comment

The vanishing student

Anytime a student comes to a staff member and says they have to quit, we feel we are half way home in our ability to save them. A student who says they must quit is really saying "I really don't want to quit. Could you help me find a way to stay?" I am concerned with finding someway to intervene with those students who simply vanish without saying anything to anyone. Does anyone have some techniques that they have found helpful in reaching out to these students?

Bill Shenenberger

Discussion Comment

Refrigerator Projects

One of the things we do to help stem Academic Erosion stress is to constantly provide reinforcement for the student on a personal level. One way is to create projects (it could be a quiz or a crossword puzzle or photographs of a clinical lab with the student as the center of attraction in the photo.) which are designed specifically to be taken home and placed on the refrigerator door. This helps them to show off a bit for their family and becomes a conversation starter about how well they are doing. It is especially fun for students with children… >>>

Bill Shenenberger

Discussion Comment

Peer Pressure

One of the biggest causes of stress and the subsequent attrition we face in our school comes from peer and family pressure. We have all to often seen parents that tell their sons or daughters "What makes you think you can do this, you never did anything else that you finished!". As they get closer to graduation, the pressure increases. We attribute much of this to jealousy. I would be interested in any ideas that others may have as to how to assist the students through this difficult area.

Bill Shenenberger

Discussion Comment

Student Expectations

When students start in any new environment, they bring with them a set of expectations that may be unrealistic or unatainable. In our orientation sessions, we discuss with the students not only what we expect of them and what they can expect of us, but what do they expect to happen while they are with us. We also help them realize some of the common reasons that students drop out. (eg. transportation, child care, lack of commitment, work responsiblities, educational deficiencies, etcetera) We then help them come up with alternative plans and systems so when they encounter these issues they… >>>