Hi John, You make a good point about the need for continued professional development. We can only do what we know and as you mentioned if we as instructors are using poor or ineffective methods we will not be successful. By looking for successful role models to follow and attending inservice sessions we can continue to grow in our abilities and competence. Many colleges have opportunties for their instructors to get together and share teaching strategies. I think this is a great way for instructors to learn ways of encouraging and retaining their students. There is no reason for each instructor to have to create their own method of reataining students. Through sharing they can learn what others are doing and then develop their own successful system. Good luck with your efforts. Gary