Using personal stories about one's career has an impact on students. Show students that I once sat where they now sit. I have the content and experience to share with them. I have found that you must be flexible and willing to adapt to the needs of each adult learner and focus on individual.

The student needs to trust the instructor. If they don't understand something, they need to know they can count on the instructor for help. I try for the first two days of class to identify my student by name and to learn something personal about them. I in turn tell them something personal about me. We start a rapport between student and instructor that has been working for me for 19 years.

Enthusiasm is very important and to teach what you love with a passion. Knowing that when I go into the classroom I must have a good attitude and lots of energy. The class usually feeds from my energy. The students then want to participate and are excited about the class, then having effects on retention.