Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1140] reducing student attrition rates
From: Brent Muirhead (bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu)
Date: Fri 16 Feb 2001 - 06:17:33 MET
From: "Brent Muirhead" <bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu> Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1140] reducing student attrition rates Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 00:17:33 -0500
Role playing has the potential for helping students become more connected to
their classes and perhaps influence their decision to stay involved in
distance education programs. Henke and Russum (2000) have written about the
problem of student attrition in online learning. Henke and Russum relate
that "the potential for a student to successfully complete a distance
education course also depends upon specific student characteristics that
have been identified as indicators of potential success: 1) being a
self-starter; 2) being self-disciplined; 3) being knowledgeable of the
technology requirements of the specific format; 4) being able to meet other
students and faculty in a virtual environment; and 5) wanting more control
over learning environment. (Roblyer, 1999 and Wade, 1999) (p. 8)."
Notice that the student indicators could be enhanced by using role playing
in their classes. As a distance education teacher, I am always exploring
ways to help my students become more involved in the online learning
process. A challenging objective is to make it an enjoyable process that
encourages life long learning. Role playing could be used to bring a new
dimension to the learning process that helps students cultivate academic
relationships.
Henke, H. & Russum, J. (2000). Factors influencing attrition rates in a
corporate distance education program. ED education at a distance, 14 (11),
pp.1-45. Available at:
http://www.usdla.org/ED_magazine/illuminactive/NOV00_Issue/index.htm
Roblyer, M.D., (1999), Is Choice an Important In Distance Learning: A Study
of Student Motives for Taking Internet Based Courses at the High School and
Community College Levels, International Society for Technology in Education,
32(1), pp. 157-171.
Wade, W. (1999, October). What do students know and how do we know that they
know it? Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 27(3), p94.
Brent Muirhead D.Min; Ph.D.
Faculty, University of Phoenix Online
bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu
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