Creating an outstanding first class experience is the foundation of retaining learners and fostering long-term success on Outschool. The First Class Five focuses on key elements that ensure your learners and their families are delighted with their educational journey, paving the way for repeat enrollments and glowing reviews.
Why Retaining Learners Matters
Retention is the key to avoiding churn, where learners attend one class and don’t return. By delivering a fabulous first class and maintaining stellar communication with parents, you can build trust, satisfaction, and loyalty. The First Class Five offers a structured approach to this goal.
The First Class Five
- Genuine Enjoyment: My Learner Says They Liked It
Engage learners with activities that are exciting, dynamic, and cater to diverse learning styles. Here’s how:
- Use Variety: Include creative tools, hands-on activities, and interactive presentations.
- Connect Personally: Engage every learner individually with regular check-ins, such as smiles or thumbs-up gestures.
- Maximize Choice and Interest: Allow learners to explore topics that spark their curiosity, fostering a sense of ownership in the learning process.
- Active Engagement: My Learner Participated Enthusiastically
Learner participation reflects the level of engagement you foster. Here’s how to encourage it:
- Create High-Interest Topics: Align your teaching energy with captivating subject matter.
- Encourage All Learners: From shy to bold, offer participation options like Zoom emojis or visual cues to ensure every learner feels included.
- Incorporate Interests: Learn about your students’ hobbies and passions, and weave them into your lessons.
- Expanded Knowledge: My Learner Learned Something New
Parents want to see tangible learning outcomes. Focus on:
- Going Beyond Basics: Deliver lessons that challenge learners and expand their understanding.
- Staying Current: Regularly update your subject knowledge and experiment with innovative teaching practices.
- Being Overprepared: Bring extra materials to classes to adapt on the fly if lessons finish early or learners need more depth.
- Stellar Communication: I Received a Post-Class Update
Communication builds trust and keeps parents informed. Ensure:
- Before-Class Clarity: Use your class listing to provide detailed and transparent information about the session.
- During-Class Updates: Share progress updates for longer courses to keep parents in the loop.
- After-Class Personalization: Send customized post-class messages that highlight specific learner successes and memorable moments.
- Prepared to Learn: My Learner Had the Materials They Needed
Ensure learners come to class ready and equipped to succeed by:
- Sharing Material Lists: Communicate necessary materials clearly in the class listing and welcome messages.
- Offering Alternatives: Provide digital and print versions of resources, and have backup materials for unprepared learners.
- Being Flexible: Be ready to adapt and ensure every learner can participate, regardless of their preparedness.
Putting It All Into Practice
To implement the First Class Five effectively, consider these strategies:
- Be Active: Research and integrate learners’ interests into lessons.
- Engage with Flexibility: Allow students to explore topics and adapt when unexpected opportunities arise.
- Foster Inclusivity: Create a welcoming environment where learners feel safe and valued.
- Personalize Learning: Tailor assignments and activities to align with student interests.
- Practice Strong Communication: Maintain open lines of communication before, during, and after class.
Mastering the First Class Five ensures your learners and their families have an exceptional experience from day one. By fostering genuine enjoyment, active engagement, expanded knowledge, stellar communication, and preparedness, you’ll build lasting relationships and receive the positive reviews that drive success on Outschool. Apply these principles, and watch your learner retention soar.
