Student retention numbers

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Thompson on January 1, 2013 at 9:57am

I agree it should what benefits the students the most and I've seen this with another course, where a course was changed as the right people weren't consulted before it was set up, so some students were doing something they didn't quite want to do. The teacher however incorporated as much as possible the students desired subject into what needs to be taught, to be inclusive, but it has been a battle with some students as they just didn't want to be there and that had a knock on effect with the students who did want to be there.

I think initial assessment has a big part to play when students are choosing courses and speaking to the right people is essential. Being realistic with students about what the course will entail and assessing their abilities, also where it can lead, so students can make informed decisions, but I can understand the pressure of getting enough students onto a course. It all needs to be balanced as if the students aren't on the right course they can leave, get poor marks or distract others from achieving and that would seem worse to me, than having fewer students to start off with.

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Permalink Reply by Aimee Whatson on January 2, 2013 at 5:33am

It is our job as a teacher to ensure that all learners are happy and achieving in their chosen course. However, if a student isn't achieving or happy this could mean that they are on the wrong course and yes I believe it is our job to get them on the right course. It doesn't mean you have failed them as a teacher if they need to change courses, it just literally means that your course isn't right for them. I think the best way to approach it would be to have a tutorial with the student and ask them how they are feeling and what they want to do and then help them explore the different pathways open to them.

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Permalink Reply by Jo Cuming on January 3, 2013 at 7:23am

I agree with Aimee it is our job as teachers to help in the development of students, and give them advice which is going to help them get to the places they want to be. If a student is on your course and realises it's not for them I believe it is down to you to sit down with them and find out how to get back on track to a career path that suits them.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Dawson on January 3, 2013 at 6:46am

Absolutely. I feel that this is a topic that highlights just how important the students are, and it is their needs that govern mainly what is taught on a subject rather than the teacher dictating how and what to learn. As teachers  we have a responsibility to help every student learn, even if that means we are not their teacher for much longer

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Permalink Reply by Melissa Jade Totman on January 4, 2013 at 6:14am

I think it's terrible that sometimes the focus is on numbers rather than the actual feelings of the students. Teachers are under so much pressure to have a certain number of students or for them to get a certain amount of the top grades. If a student is unhappy on a course and you think with few changes they can continue I would do my best to make them stay and to not throw away their chances. However if they are really on the wrong course and it isn't going to benefit them in the future then it is a waste of their time and the tutors time. I'd try my best to get them on the right course for them.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Dawson on January 4, 2013 at 9:01am

Thanks Melissa, I agree that a teacher's primary focus should be their students and helping them best progress in life but I imagine it would be difficult when working for an institution that wants you to retain numbers as much as possible

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