Universities are facing a growing challenge in retaining their students. The average six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students at four-year public institutions is only 60%, and it is even lower for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
There are many factors that contribute to student retention, but one of the most important is teaching students how to learn. When students know how to learn, they are more likely to be successful in their classes, and they are more likely to persist to graduation.
There are a number of things that faculty can do to teach students how to learn. Some of the most effective strategies include:
* Helping students to develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can be developed through effort and hard work. When students have a growth mindset, they are more likely to persist in the face of challenges, and they are more likely to seek out opportunities to learn.
* Teaching students how to set realistic goals. Setting realistic goals can help students to stay motivated and on track. When students know what they are aiming for, they are more likely to put in the effort to achieve their goals.
* Providing students with feedback. Feedback is essential for students to learn and grow. When students receive feedback on their work, they can identify areas where they need to improve.
* Encouraging students to seek out help. When students are struggling, they need to know that there are resources available to help them. Faculty can encourage students to seek out help from their instructors, TAs, or academic support services.
By teaching students how to learn, faculty can help them to succeed in their classes and persist to graduation. This is an important investment in the future of our students and our society.
Student retention is a critical issue facing universities today. By teaching students how to learn, faculty can help to improve retention rates and ensure that students have the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.
