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.
This module highlighted how strongly student retention is connected to relationships and a positive campus climate rather than student effort alone. I learned that frequent, meaningful interactions between students and faculty play a critical role in helping students feel connected and supported. Going forward, I plan to be more intentional about proactive communication, setting a welcoming tone, and checking in with students regularly, especially in online courses. These efforts can help foster belonging and improve student persistence.
For institutional personnel, a constructive campus climate promotes collaboration, morale, and shared responsibility for student success. Clear expectations, mutual respect, and open dialogue contribute to effective teamwork and reduce burnout, particularly in high-demand academic and clinical programs. Faculty and staff who feel supported are better equipped to provide consistent instruction, mentorship, and student advocacy.
From this module, I have learned that strong, trust-based relationships and consistent communication are key drivers of student retention, especially in online learning environments. I intend to apply this knowledge by strengthening proactive outreach, fostering warmer and more empathetic interactions, and ensuring timely support so that students feel connected, supported, and motivated to persist in their studies.
I learnt that the strength of the working alliance positively correlates to adherence to an action plan, increasing the likelihood of positive student outcomes. Working alliances can be established and maintained through early, frequent, and consistent interactions with online students.
It's important to think carefully about how policies, email communications, and individual interactions affect the overall student experience. Establishing reasonably flexible grading policies, setting clear expectations of students’ code of conduct in the online classroom, and training faculty and staff on communication skills in virtual environments can promote a culture of positive interactions with students.
Para que un curso en línea tenga éxito y logre retener a los alumnos es clave el compromiso por parte del personal administrativo y académico, para que el estudiante sienta un clima de acompañamiento, comunicación eficaz, poder expresar opiniones y quejas y sentirse acompañado en todo momento.
Para que un curso en línea tenga éxito y logre retener a los alumnos es clave el compromiso por parte del personal administrativo y académico, para que el estudiante sienta un clima de acompañamiento, comunicación eficaz, poder expresar opiniones y quejas y sentirse acompañado en todo momento.
Para que un curso en línea tenga éxito y logre retener a los alumnos es clave el compromiso por parte del personal administrativo y académico, para que el estudiante sienta un clima de acompañamiento, comunicación eficaz, poder expresar opiniones y quejas y sentirse acompañado en todo momento.
I learned that strong relationships directly support retention by improving trust, engagement, and persistence. I plan to apply this by increasing check-ins, offering clearer communication, and building rapport early.
I will try to continue to maintain a positive learning environment as well as remain fair on grading
I learned good techniques to build healthy relationships with my students and how to make them feel seen.
I have learned that establishing a relationship with the students, aids in their overall well being. This helps in their success as a student and healthcare professional.
Students need to feel seen and important and frequent interaction allows them to understand the material, have questions answered, and an understanding of the dynamics between instructor and student.
Student really need to feel you are concern about their self as well as their education.
I am reminded from this course, the importance of providing time for ongoing contact and communication with the students.
Communicate with the students via assignment messaging, LMS inbox messaging, SIS email and text messaging and phone communications. Increase communications with students doing well. Maintain a 7 days-a-week open phone policy to provide encouragement and guidance to help the students achieve their goals.
By creating early and ongoing, positive, connection with students, we are able to have higher retention rates.
I intend to focus on connection before correction and identification of at risk students quickly; document every interaction.
Relationship is what humans do foundationally. All else is built on this.
