Many students enroll in English courses with the goal of obtaining their degree, but unfortunately, some of them end up stopping out before completing their studies. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as financial issues, personal problems, or lack of motivation. However, a report by the National Association for Developmental Education (NADE) highlights four effective ways to engage and graduate stopped-out students in English courses.
The first strategy recommended by the report is offering flexible scheduling options. Many stopped-out students cite conflicting work schedules or family responsibilities as reasons for their inability to complete their coursework. By providing online classes, evening or weekend classes, or accelerated courses, institutions can better accommodate the needs of these students and help them progress towards graduation.
The second strategy is to provide academic support services for stopped-out students. These services can include tutoring, writing centers, study groups, and academic coaching. By offering extra help and resources, institutions can assist students in overcoming academic challenges and staying on track towards earning their degree.
Additionally, the report suggests implementing a reentry program for stopped-out students. This program would provide personalized guidance and support for students who have taken time off from their studies. By connecting students with academic advisors, career counselors, and financial aid resources, institutions can help stopped-out students navigate the reentry process and successfully resume their education.
Lastly, the report recommends incorporating project-based learning into English courses. This approach allows students to actively engage with course material, collaborate with peers, and apply their learning to real-world situations. By focusing on hands-on, interactive learning experiences, institutions can increase student motivation and retention rates in English courses.
Overall, the NADE report emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for stopped-out students in English courses. By implementing flexible scheduling options, academic support services, reentry programs, and project-based learning opportunities, institutions can help these students overcome barriers to graduation and achieve their academic goals.