Maximize Student Completers and Retention through Program Innovation By Mike Hashek and Paul Ehlers Leadership Development Instructors Gateway Technical College
In the Beginning… 5 or 6 years ago Gateway Supervisory Mgt. was #53 ranked program Today it is #3 ranked program. What caused this?
Setting the end goal Why? Listen… Advisory Board Students Set a course for change with new goal…
Delivery Options Meet students where they are… Accelerated Courses Online and Face To Face Evening and Weekends
Accelerated? 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 weeks 1 evening all semester equals 9 credits Meets needs of working students Includes online
Career Pathways Each 9 credit semester is packaged as a Certificate Each Certificate leads to a potential job. Imbedded National Certifications increase employability
Program Progression First two certificates lead to two Pathway Certificates More logical step out points = More Completers OR Encourages persistence in the program
Remove Barriers to Success Students dislike exams, add demonstrations. Flexibility of offerings meets student needs. Students want reinforcement Chunk learning into steps Provide real world skills Active learning style Brain Based Teaching Style
Class structure Class is structured in 20-30 minute blocks One focal topic is explored At beginning of class Instructor talks > Students Middle and end Students talk > Instructor Presentation and demonstrations in each class
Implement changes Survey Students…. Remove exams Accelerated courses (5 weeks each) Teach online and in classroom Create Pathway Certificates for each semester. Give job specific skills to students that work today. Each Certificate leads to a potential job. Imbedded National Certifications.
Measure success What measures our success? Program Efficiency rating. Survey students. Communicate with Advisory Board
future It is becoming all about the soft skills Soft skills as competencies? Micro credentials and/or one credit chunks
Keys to success Be willing to change. LISTEN to your end users Set a realistic goal that meets your end users goal. Innovation is not scary