Classroom Retention (for more or all students)

We (instructors and professors) can learn how to create classrooms where all students can succeed.  Without this effort, we usually find that our pass rates are too low -- and that the pass rates for "minorities" is even lower.  The word "minority" is a little misleading, since lower pass rates are found for two groups (african american and hispanic) in almost all situations, even when these groups form a local majority.

Some of the issues:  power and status in the classroom; culture and communication; very clear expectations at the microscopic level.

There is no 'magic key' or simple idea for this, and reading will not make it happen.  The learning needed is a extended professional development, where issues are explored ... theories considered ... and alternative techniques experienced. 

Faculty (or departments) who are really interested in improving retention for all students need to invest in quality professional development focused on the issues (including those listed above).

Jack Rotman
rotmanj@lcc.edu

updated December 15, 2006