Strategies That Institutions Can Implement In Their Learning Environments To Improve Their Student Course Completion Outcomes

Higher education faces numerous challenges that technology is working to resolve and improve. The aim of most online institutions is to improve the knowledge acquisition environment by providing an efficient system design that seamlessly works with their educators and students. 

The challenge for the institution in students not completing online courses is multifaceted. Incomplete courses signify missed learning opportunities, reduced student satisfaction, and lower retention rates, ultimately affecting an institution's reputation and financial sustainability.

According to Research Gate, the percentage rate for completion of online courses for Massive Open Online Courses is at 3 to 6 percent.

To maintain the credibility and effectiveness of online learning, institutions must continuously work to improve course completion rates, recognizing the pivotal role this metric plays in the overall success of online education programs.

In this article, I will explore the common challenges that students face in online learning and the strategies that educators can leverage to ensure a higher course completion rate.

Challenges that students face in online learning environments

• Lack of Accountability: Online learning environments may lack the level of accountability found in traditional classrooms. Students may not feel as obligated to attend classes or complete assignments, leading to lower course completion rates.

• Self-Motivation: Online students often need a high degree of self-motivation and discipline to stay on track. Without the structure of regular class meetings, some students struggle to manage their time effectively and prioritize coursework.

• Distractions and Isolation: Learning from home can expose students to various distractions, such as household chores, social media, or family responsibilities. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors can lead to feelings of isolation, which can negatively impact motivation and engagement.

• Technological Issues: Technical problems, such as unreliable internet connections or incompatible devices, can disrupt the learning process and discourage students from completing their courses.

• Limited Support: Some online schools may not provide adequate support systems for students. This includes access to tutors, academic advisors, or counseling services, which can be crucial for addressing academic and personal challenges.

• Learning Style Compatibility: Online learning may not suit every student's learning style. Some individuals thrive in face-to-face environments and may struggle to adapt to the more independent nature of online education.

• Assessment Methods: Assessments in online courses may not always align with students' learning experiences. Poorly designed assessments can demotivate students, especially if they feel they are not being evaluated fairly.

• Lack of a Sense of Community: A strong sense of belonging to a learning community can positively impact course completion rates. Online students may miss out on the social aspects of traditional classrooms, which can affect their motivation and engagement.

The above are just but a few common challenges that students face in online learning school environments. For Educators, these are crucial challenges that they need to resolve to ensure that a higher number of students complete the given course.

Increasing student course completion rates in higher education is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of effective strategies, institutional commitment, and student support. To resolve the above, I have listed a few approaches that I have found useful to enhance course completion rates.

Strategies that Institutions can  implement in their learning environments to improve their student course completion outcomes

1. Learning Analytics and Predictive Modeling:

By leveraging data-driven insights, educators and institutions can identify at-risk students early in the course and intervene proactively. These interventions may include identifying trends and patterns in student performance and engagement, developing predictive models to forecast which students may be at risk of dropping out and target interventions accordingly, and providing additional support, personalized feedback, or resources tailored to students' needs. Learning analytics enable educators to continuously refine course design and teaching methods based on real-time feedback, optimizing the learning experience and increasing the likelihood of student success.

1. Implement Early Intervention and Advising Systems

By identifying students who may be struggling academically or facing personal challenges at an early stage, educators and advisors can provide timely support and guidance. This assistance might include academic tutoring, personalized study strategies, counseling, or referrals to relevant resources. By addressing these issues promptly, at-risk students are more likely to overcome obstacles and stay engaged with their coursework, ultimately leading to higher completion rates. Additionally, the proactive approach sends a strong message to students that their institution cares about their success, which can boost motivation and a sense of belonging in the online learning community.

1. Have Clear Communication and Expectations

Clear communication sets the tone for the course, helps students understand their responsibilities, and reduces confusion. When students know what to expect in terms of assignments, deadlines, and grading criteria in the syllabus, they are better equipped to manage their time effectively and stay on track. Using a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) to organize course materials, assignments, and deadlines also helps. Another communication tool would be to provide a detailed course calendar outlining important dates and milestones.

1. Create Engaging Pedagogy

When the course content is presented in an interactive, stimulating, and relevant manner, students are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their studies. Engaging active learning strategies can include group discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities, to keep students engaged. Also, Using multimedia resources, interactive simulations, and real-world examples can make the content more relatable and interesting. Such approaches not only enhance the learning experience but also make the online course more enjoyable and fulfilling for students. As a result, they are more likely to remain engaged, complete their assignments, and persist through challenges, ultimately leading to higher course completion rates.

1. Include Mentorship & Support Services

Mentorship provides students with a dedicated guide who can offer personalized advice, motivation, and academic support. Mental health is also a key issue for online learners who often face unique stressors, including isolation, time management challenges, and technology-related frustrations, which can impact their mental well-being. Support systems, including tutoring, counseling, and technical assistance, ensure that students have access to the resources they need to overcome challenges. Another important support system to include would be to make financial aid and scholarship information readily available to assist students with financial concerns. These support mechanisms create a safety net for online learners, making them feel valued and connected to their educational institution. When students know they have someone to turn to when they encounter difficulties, they are more likely to persist through challenges and complete their courses successfully. 

1. Implement Retention-focused Policies

These policies involve implementing strategies and initiatives aimed at keeping students engaged and on track throughout their courses. One way could be having a clear policy on course withdrawals and extensions to provide students with options if they encounter difficulties. Other ways may be by providing proactive academic advising, creating structured pathways for degree progression, offering flexible scheduling options, and promoting a supportive online learning community. You can also consider having a grade forgiveness policy that allows students to retake a course without negatively impacting their GPA. By focusing on retention, institutions address the challenges that can lead to student dropouts, such as disengagement and academic difficulties, helping students overcome obstacles and stay committed to their studies.

1. Include Incentives and Recognition Systems

These initiatives motivate students by offering tangible rewards or acknowledgments for their achievements and progress. Incentives might include scholarships, certificates, or access to exclusive resources, while recognition can come in the form of public acknowledgments or inclusion in honor rolls. Another important incentive would be to recognize and reward faculty and staff. When educators and support staff receive recognition for their efforts in enhancing course design, teaching methods, and student support services, it fosters a culture of innovation and excellence within the institution. This, in turn, leads to the creation of more engaging and effective online learning experiences for students. These strategies provide students with a sense of accomplishment and external validation for their efforts, reinforcing their commitment to completing the course. Additionally, they create a competitive and engaging atmosphere that encourages students to stay on track, contributing to higher course completion rates by fostering a goal-oriented mindset and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

1. Have An Assessment and Feedback Model

Well-structured assessments with clear criteria allow students to gauge their progress and understand what is expected of them. Timely and constructive feedback provides students with valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement, helping them adjust their study strategies and stay on track. You can also offer opportunities for formative assessments and practice quizzes to help students gauge their understanding of the material. Also, having revisions on major assignments can encourage continuous improvement. When students perceive that their efforts are being acknowledged and that they have opportunities to learn from their mistakes, they are more likely to remain motivated and committed to completing the course successfully.

1. Implement Continuous Evaluation and Improvement Processes

Regularly assessing course materials, teaching methods, and support services allows institutions to identify and address any shortcomings promptly. By soliciting feedback through surveys and focus groups from students and instructors, institutions can make necessary adjustments to enhance the learning experience, improve engagement, and reduce barriers to completion. This iterative approach not only ensures that courses remain up-to-date and aligned with educational goals but also demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality education. Students are more likely to complete courses when they perceive that their institution is invested in their success and continually strives to provide them with the best possible learning environment.

Final Thought…

Increasing student course completion rates is an ongoing process that requires collaboration among faculty, administrators, and support services. By addressing both academic and non-academic factors that impact student success, institutions can create an environment conducive to higher completion rates and improved overall student outcomes.

These strategies not only contribute to individual student success but also strengthen the overall quality and reputation of the institution itself, ultimately making a profound impact on the future of education.

I hope that you found this article useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts and feedback.

Have a happy week!