I’m cleaning out old files and found this list of student retention strategies. I don’t have an author’s name; our thanks goes out to Anonymous.
- Explain how classroom lessons apply to everyday life. Show each lesson’s relevance / application.
- Let students know they are missed when they don’t come.
- Help your students identify a specific goal for attending your class. Research shows that adult students with a clear goal are more likely to persist than those without.
- Students need to “see” their progress. It must be measurable to them: portfolios, pre/post tests, test scores, written evaluations…
- Employ a variety of instructional methods to reach all students. Research shows that group work and discussion generates energy and enthusiasm leading to great participation. Do class projects!
- Build self-efficacy/confidence by: recognizing their progress, celebrating their achievements, and presenting models of success.
Resources on student retention in adult education – worth a look!
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Build Motivation by Building Learner Participation by Barbara Garner
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Here Today – Gone Tomorrow: Strategies for Motivating and Retaining Adult Learners: Listed below are the agenda, powerpoint, and training materials from the student retention workshop conducted at the 2005 Basic Skills Conference by Kathi Polis of Strategic Training and Resources, Inc. Agenda Powerpoint Activity 1 Activity 2 Activity 3 Research and Resource Packet Strategies for Managing Positive and Negative Forces Strategies for Building Self Efficacy Strategies for Setting Clear Goals Strategies for Showing Progress
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Improving Student Retention in Adult Education Programs
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Research to Practice: Increasing Retention Through Student Success By Kari Malitz and Sarah Nixon-Ponder
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The First Three Weeks: A Critical Time for Motivation by B. Allan Quigley
Greetings!
I have found the information provided here with regard to student retention to be an huge asset. I have tried to access the presentations and information provided from the 2005 Basic Skills Conference by Kathi Polis, but get errors stating that the information had been removed. I was hoping that I could get copies via email. This information is exactly the type of information that I am compiling to fight the retention and success problems that we are having. I thank you for the help.
Valerie