The Importance of Faculty Training in Higher Education: A Key to Student Retention

by Angela Britcher
June 30, 2023
The Importance of Faculty Training in Higher Education: A Key to Student Retention

You want to attract and retain students. Positive learning experiences with faculty and staff contribute to students’ desires to complete their programs. In addition, students have new demands for mental health, active learning, and flexibility. While numerous factors contribute to student retention, faculty training is crucial. Faculty members play pivotal roles in shaping the educational experience. Equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge through comprehensive training programs yields numerous benefits. In this blog, we explore the importance of faculty training and how it directly impacts student retention rates in higher education.

Why Faculty Training Matters

Artwork by Malvika Shah

Effective faculty training programs are essential for several reasons. Training empowers educators with the skills and expertise needed to excel in their roles and enhance their ability to engage and connect with students. Here are some key reasons why faculty training is crucial in higher education:
1. Enhancing Instructional Techniques: Faculty training allows instructors to expand their understanding of pedagogy and andragogy. By equipping them with the latest teaching methodologies, instructional technologies, and assessment strategies, training programs help faculty members create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students benefit from varied teaching approaches, which cater to diverse learning styles and foster active participation.
2. Promoting Student-Centered Learning: Training programs emphasize the importance of student-centered learning, encouraging faculty members to shift from a traditional lecture-based approach to a more interactive and collaborative model. Instructors can increase student engagement, critical thinking, and knowledge retention by adopting student-centered strategies like group discussions, problem-solving activities, and hands-on projects.
3. Building Rapport and Mentoring: Faculty who receive training are better equipped to build meaningful connections with their students. Training programs emphasize the importance of effective communication, active listening, and empathy, enabling instructors to establish a supportive learning environment. Training faculty members can enhance students’ sense of belonging and academic success by serving as mentors and providing guidance. Faculty also build rapport within their departments, increasing job satisfaction and staff retention.
4. Utilizing Technology Effectively: Integrating technology into the classroom is vital for engaging with students and preparing them for the future. Faculty training equips educators with the knowledge and skills to leverage educational technologies effectively. From learning management systems to interactive multimedia tools, trained faculty members can harness technology to create interactive and personalized learning experiences, thereby enhancing student satisfaction and retention.
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The Impact on Student Retention

Investing in comprehensive faculty training programs directly correlates to student retention rates. Here’s how faculty training positively impacts student retention:
1. Improved Teaching Quality: Faculty training enhances instructional skills, enabling instructors to deliver high-quality education. Engaging and effective teaching methods create a positive learning experience, increasing student satisfaction and motivation. Students who are satisfied with their educational experience are more likely to persist and complete their degrees.
2. Enhanced Student Engagement: Trained faculty members are equipped with strategies to actively engage students in the learning process. By incorporating interactive and collaborative activities, instructors can foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among students. Actively engaged students are more likely to remain invested in their studies and persist through challenging times like exams or graduation season.
3. Personalized Support and Guidance: Faculty training programs emphasize the importance of personalized support and mentoring. Trained faculty members can identify struggling students early on and provide the necessary assistance and guidance to help them overcome academic obstacles. This personalized attention boosts student confidence, resilience, and overall satisfaction, increasing the likelihood of retention.
4. Adaptability to Diverse Student Needs: Students in higher education come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique learning styles, abilities, and challenges. Faculty training equips educators with strategies to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of a diverse student body. By accommodating different learning styles and providing inclusive learning environments, trained faculty members create a supportive atmosphere that fosters student success and retention.
Faculty training plays a crucial role in promoting student success and retention. By enhancing instructional techniques, fostering student-centered learning, building rapport, and effectively utilizing technology, trained faculty members create an environment conducive to student engagement and academic achievement. Through comprehensive training programs, colleges and universities can bolster student retention rates, ultimately contributing to their success. Investing in faculty training is an investment in the future of higher education and the success of the students it serves.
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Angela Britcher

Angela Britcher is an instructional designer and content creator with The Babb Group. She is also an adjunct professor of business and communications.
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