Dropout Prevention
Re-Engagement Conversation
A re-engagement conversation is a supportive one-to-one with a student who has gone quiet: missed classes, unanswered messages, work not handed in. It is not a reprimand. Its purpose is to understand what happened from the student's side and to agree on a realistic way back. Here are the questions to ask, in the order that keeps the student at ease.
17 questions
When to use this template
- After several absences or a period without contact, once an informal reminder has not brought the student back.
- When a student has stopped handing in work or taking part, and a teacher or tutor has noticed the change.
- After a long break such as illness, a move or a family event, to plan the return together.
- Before any formal procedure, while the student still has room to choose how to continue.
Questions to ask
Opening and reconnecting
- 01How are you doing at the moment, in general?
- 02We have missed you in class. Is it a good time to talk about it?
- 03How would you describe the last few weeks for you?
- 04What would you like me to know before we start?
What happened
- 05When did things start to feel different for you?
- 06Was there a particular event or moment that changed things?
- 07What got in the way of coming to class or doing the work?
- 08Is there anything outside your studies that has been taking your energy?
Feelings about the course
- 09How do you feel about your course right now?
- 10What did you enjoy at the beginning, and what has changed since?
- 11Is there a subject, a person or a situation you would rather avoid?
- 12Do you still see yourself finishing this programme? What makes you say that?
Way back and support
- 13What would make coming back easier for you?
- 14What is one small step you could take this week?
- 15Who could help you, here or outside the school?
- 16What support would you like from us, and what would you prefer we did not do?
- 17How and when should we check in again?
Tips for a useful conversation
- Start with the person, not the absences: ask how they are before mentioning attendance.
- Tell the student at the start what the conversation is for and who will see what is said.
- Listen without defending the school or the teachers, even when the criticism is uncomfortable.
- Agree on one or two small, concrete steps rather than a long plan the student will not follow.
- Write down what was agreed, share it with the student and plan the next check-in before leaving.
Mistakes to avoid
- Opening with a list of missed classes and consequences, which makes the student defensive.
- Asking “why” repeatedly, which sounds like an accusation.
- Promising confidentiality you cannot keep when the student mentions something serious.
- Having one conversation and never following up.
Let Passisto Students hold these conversations
The AI agent holds regular voice check-ins with your students and flags those who need help, so advisors can act early.