Student Retention & Student Activities in High School
High school-age students have more freedom and responsibility for their education than those in other grade levels. Because of this freedom and responsibility, student retention at the high school level can become a serious problem for some school administrations. Many students drop out of school because they are falling behind in their classes or feel isolated from their peers. Keeping students actively involved in their education through on- and off-campus activities is a way to promote student retention.
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Transitioning Students
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The transition from middle to high school is an important time for students to establish strong study and social habits that encourage retention. High school freshmen are more likely to feel ostracized or picked on by older students and to fall behind with the increased high school workload. Student retention activities for high school freshmen include assigning the younger student an upper-grade "buddy" to help with homework and social mentoring, and establishing freshmen-only clubs and sports teams. Similar methods can be used for transfer students.
At-Risk Students
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At-risk students are teenagers who, because of poor grades, drug use or behavioral problems, have been identified as being likely to drop out of high school. Retaining at-risk students is a major concern for high school administrators, and programs geared toward these students emphasize class participation and school activities to increase retention.
Classroom inclusion methods encourage teachers to identify at-risk students' skills and use them to improve grades and participation. For instance, a student may have trouble grasping difficult science concepts but be motivated by artistic expression. Teachers can use activities geared toward these alternative skill sets to encourage understanding and increase retention.
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Peer Group Activities
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Peer alienation, a common feeling for students at risk of dropping out, can be combated with in-school and after-school activities. Peer tutoring programs can help students improve grades, make friends and increase self-esteem, all of which encourage student retention. Similarly, after-school interest groups, such as clubs, student government and sports teams, promote community and friendships that can help keep at-risk students in school. High school administrators and counselors can help identify an at-risk student's interest, then encourage him to seek out a group that caters to that interest.
Classroom Responsibility Activities
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Students who are actively involved in their education are generally motivated to complete their high school education. Many alternative learning centers designed for at-risk students construct classes so that students not only participate in their education through projects, presentations, debates and other activities, but also help design curriculum and work one on one with teachers to complete their education. These activities and methods can be used in any classroom to help increase student retention. Additionally, assigning at-risk students a special role in the classroom, such as teacher's assistant, creates a sense of responsibility and control that can encourage retention.
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References
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