This module has reiterated what I already knew - that a strong classroom climate is imperative to retaining students. My course is an elective, and students can choose to drop it. Keeping enrollment in my class means keeping my program going. It will be important for me to retain my students this year, and in years to come. I hope that subsequent modules in this course will offer strategies to establish a positive rapport with students in an online environment.
Working with the students online via MS Teams has changed the dynamic. It's harder to see when a student is not getting it or is just going with the flow. I have made myself available during off hours to help students by questioning where they are lost and what they don't understand. Usually, this will clear up the issue, but in some instances, they just agree to get the meeting over with, but still are struggling. This makes it hard to help them.
Gloria, Interaction from the student enrolles in a school and continuiung that process all the way trhough is very im[portant. Most schools things are very transparant and students tend to become discruntiled when they can not communicate with either admissions person or financaial aid person. They tend to feel that know one really cares abiout them and their education "it is all about the money" We as instructors need to keep that kine of communication open at all times through out their learning process. It is as important as keeping the student engaged in the classroom setting.
I agree with the idea that student retention is based greatly on the interaction and relationships that the student has with the faculty. I feel like I have had more success in the retention of my students by taking the time to build individual relationships with my students. I make it a point to know their strengths and weaknesses, the struggles they are facing that could affect their performance as students. Alot of times that student just wants to know that there is someone who believes in them and wants to see them reach their goals.
A happy environment that students can come to everyday is important, being prepared, being aware of any changes, communication is the key, if there is something that we see is off, like the sound of their voice we can actually do our best to help, I think that overall the environment plays an important part just as much as having a concerned instructor, everyone in the building has to show the positive attitude, say hello not just walk by students (whether they are in their program or another one) students perceive the animosity and that gives them the negative vibes all around.
In this module, I learned student retention is at least as much a function of institutional behavior as it is of student behavior. In addition, students are not customers in the conventional sense; therefore, we as the faculty and staff are responsible for helping students. Building strong working alliances with online students is fundamental; and increases positive student outcomes.
I learned the positive campus climate and a good strong supportive faculty relationships helps toward better student retention.
I believe that it is important to create an environment that fosters open communication and creates a positive campus climate in an effort to reduce student retention.
The following is what I believe is the most important part of this session so far: "In analyzing over 20 years of research, Tinto repeatedly found one factor to be the single most important predictor of student retention: the frequency and quality of interactions between students and staff. This was a strong predictor of student retention, even after taking account of variables such as personality, background, and academic performance."
In my past life as a supervisor, manager and trainer in the mfg. business field, it is one on one relationships that students seem to respond to the best when training them on new things. If a student is having a good time, an enjoyable time, an eye opening experience time during your lecture, lab or demonstration then that student will bond with the instructor, institution and the program. They will return time and time again to gain more knowledge. In addition, they will probably tell 2 other potential students who then tell 2 other potential students and so on. It is then the cycle of "word of mouth" advertising begins. In all cases this takes time and must be ingrained into culture of the school and program.
A strong working alliance with the online student will greatly affect the retention of individual online students.
Developing a strong Working alliance with the individual online student involves early. frequent, and consistent interactions with students.
This includes making yourself available to students with contact information and hours of availablity, communication with the student at prescribed regular periods during the semester, and responding to students questions and comments in a timely manner
This is all about relationships. Good ones do good in the long run.
I've used the Client/Supplier model most of my teaching career, and believe in it. Trouble happens when a student can't play the role of client, or doesn't know how to. The "fear of the grade" changes the dynamic to see the teacher as a boss.
But I think for attitude, it is best to see my role as The Supplier. Winning over the client. Speaking truth to the client via the "play money" of a grade.
Seth Soronnadi
Learned that "strong working alliances and communication are linked to retention"
Sometimes students do not know where to go for help on campus, or that there is such a thing. Students go from 12th grade- told how to do so much , where to go that I believe they can not critically think for themselves and when help is offered, they may not even know what to do with it.
I learned that the three retention factors are, individual, external and institutional factors.
I can see that Building strong working alliances and creating a positive campus climate will help in student retention.
Relationship based learning applies to online multimedia as well
Building strong working alliances and creating a positive campus climate will help in student retention.
i learned that retention is established through good relationships between the student and faculty.
The transition from the classroom to Teams online learning has been interesting yet challenging. One-on-one interaction is important in the classroom but critical with online learning. It is too easy to let some students fall through the cracks. I have found the students are much more likely to stay engaged when I contact them individually about every two weeks. A little time consuming with 24 students but well worth it.
For me, I have always learned better when the instructor enagaed and took the individual time to see how I was doing and helping me in the areas I was struglling with. As an instructor, the area I have struggled with the most is helping to motivate those that don't want to put the time in.
