Dropping out of college can have serious consequences for students, such as lower earnings, higher unemployment, and lower life satisfaction. As an academic advisor, you can help students stay on track and complete their degrees by creating effective academic plans. Here are some tips on how to do that.
The first step is to identify which students are more likely to drop out, based on factors such as academic performance, financial situation, personal issues, or lack of engagement. You can use data from the institution, such as grades, attendance, or retention rates, to flag students who need more support. You can also use surveys, interviews, or feedback forms to gather information from students about their challenges, goals, and expectations.
One factor that could also put students at risk of dropping out is the health status. It's important to carry out medical tests or obtain health records at the beginning of their academic programs. This will also go a long way in identifying those who need to pay attention to their health so as not to deteriorate drastically.
The next step is to provide personalized guidance to each student, based on their needs, interests, and abilities. You can help them choose courses that match their academic level, career aspirations, and learning preferences. You can also help them set realistic and attainable goals, and monitor their progress and achievements. You can use tools such as academic maps, degree audits, or online platforms to create and update academic plans that are clear and flexible.
Personalised guidance is important before selection and may be late if done after starting an academic program. It's very important to have career guidance and counseling sessions before selecting a career so as to consider the personal traits, character and mental abilities of the student. Often, students select popular programs or courses without considering the prerequisite skills and capabilities.
The third step is to connect students with resources that can help them overcome their obstacles and enhance their learning experience. You can refer them to services such as tutoring, counseling, financial aid, or career development, depending on their situation. You can also encourage them to participate in activities such as clubs, sports, or volunteering, to build their social and professional networks. You can use channels such as email, phone, or social media to communicate with students and remind them of the available resources.
La première ressource humaine pour éviter à l'étudiant de décrocher c'est l'enseignant. Il est primordial que ce dernier soit à l'écoute, des craintes, angoisses de ses étudiants pour pouvoir entamer une première phase de dialogue et ensuite l'orienter vers des services/personnes compétentes. C'est à nous d'être vigilant aux signaux et de faire remonter la moindre alerte
The fourth step is to foster a supportive relationship with each student, based on trust, respect, and empathy. You can show them that you care about their success and well-being, and that you are available and accessible to help them. You can also provide them with positive feedback, recognition, and encouragement, and celebrate their achievements and milestones. You can use strategies such as active listening, open-ended questions, or motivational interviewing to engage with students and understand their perspectives.
Fostering Supportive relationships also includes the use of study groups. Assignments can be given to students as a group. This will make it easier for those who are weak in the course to lean on and learn from the strong ones among them. This will also reduce the rate of drop outs among the students.
The fifth step is to collaborate with other stakeholders who are involved in the student's academic journey, such as faculty, staff, or family. You can share information and insights about the student's strengths, weaknesses, needs, and goals, and coordinate efforts to provide consistent and coherent support. You can also solicit feedback and suggestions from other stakeholders on how to improve your advising practice and academic plans. You can use methods such as meetings, emails, or reports to communicate and cooperate with other stakeholders.
The final step is to evaluate and revise academic plans regularly, based on the student's performance, feedback, and changing circumstances. You can assess whether the academic plan is working for the student, and whether it is aligned with their current and future goals. You can also identify any gaps or challenges that need to be addressed, and make adjustments or modifications accordingly. You can use tools such as rubrics, surveys, or portfolios to measure and document the student's learning outcomes and satisfaction.
In addition to adjusting academic plans, there's also the need to give room for flexibility of the academic year. A student may decide to stay away to care of personal problems or needs and still have the opportunity of continuing the program without suffering any loss.
I will be short and sweet. "Make it make sense" YouTube makes sense TikTok makes sense Instagram makes sense and so forth. Whatever, academic program plans we are creating these platforms are our competitors. Yes, and the students are our customers. We should make sure we treat them accordingly.