the c.a.r.e method of advising how to retain and motivate online students

THE C.A.R.E METHOD OF ADVISING

How to Retain and Motivate Online Students

Amber Artiaga, MBAGraduate Academic Advisoraartiaga@calsouthern.edu

Dr. Toby SpiegelAssociate Dean/Academic Advisortspeigel@calsouthern.edu

Learning Objectives

Characteristics of online students.

How technology competences affect motivation.

Strategies that are specific and uniquely relevant to online learners.

Technology Competencies and Motivation

Punctual Technical Support Assistance.

24 hour confirmation of receipt of assignments or emails.

Clearly written assignment instructions.

Sample Assignments.

The ‘C’ in C.A.R.E. Method

The C in the care method stands for Connect.

Building Rapport is critical in the early stages of advising with online learners since face to face contact is rare.

The degree of connection will dictate the advisors ability to influence learner behaviors that will lead to successful degree completion.

‘C’ in the Online Environment

Review of Personal Statement/ Admissions Notes

Personal Introduction Emails.

SMART Plan Invite Phone Calls

Skype for Business Video Conferencing

Conversational/text tone emails

Intentionally referencing last phone call /email

Disruptive Advising Model

The ‘A’ in C.A.R.E Method

The A in the care method stands for Address.

Addressing questions and concerns just the tip of the ice-berg. It is critical to address seen behavior. Online learners must feel noticed.

Make sure online advisees know there success and challenges are being noticed. This builds both rapport, accountability and expectation.

‘A’ Online Environment

Questions & concerns addressed through, phone, email, Skype for Business.

Review of Advisee progress and Mentor feedback.

Congratulations emails/phone calls on good grades.

‘A’ Online Environment ( Cont.)

Statements like: “I see you received an A in your last

assignment, well done!”

“ I really appreciate how you are turning in your assignments on time, great job!”.

“I noticed its been a while since you turned in an assignment, what do you think is your biggest challenge?”

The ‘R’ C.A.R.E Method

The R stands for Relate.

Relate is different than connecting or rapport building. Connection and rapport building takes place in the early stages of the advising relationship. To relate to advisees the relationship between advisee and advisor must move past this stage and move to a deeper connection where the advisee feels their burdens both personal and academic are shared.

‘R’ Online Environment

Be prepared to tell your story. Tell about a time that you had to overcome an academic adversity or came across a similar situation.

Sharing your story makes the advisor more relatable, allows the advisee to know difficulties are normal, and creates deeper trust within the advisee/advisor relationship.

Finally, sharing your story makes you a lifeboat in what can be a very isolating online environment.

The ‘E’ C.A.R.E Method

The E stands for Evoke.

Webster’s Dictionary defines Evoke as ones ability to bring something to mind. Evoke also means to bring something to mind to cause a particular reaction or response to happen.

This is more than “ you can do it!” Don’t just be a cheerleader the motivation will be short lived.

‘E’ Online Environment

Ask open ended questions. “ What keeps you going?” “ How did you feel about the feedback you received” “ How did you interpret that situation?”

Dig deeper, ask follow up questions and elicit further thought. “ Tell me more about…” “How so?” “ What’s an example of”

Look forward “ How will this program change your career

opportunities?”

Amber Artiaga, MBAGraduate Academic Advisor(712) 882-7847aartiaga@calsouthern.edu

Dr. Toby SpiegelAssociate Dean/ Academic Advisor(714) 882- 7811tspeigel@calsouthern.edu

Thank you!