Student retention is a major topic in a college. If the instructor is fair and caring, retention is likely to be better than if he or she creates an uninteresting and demotivating class, one in which the student is left on his or her own, to develop the information he or she needs, rather than a dialogue within the class.

Since the average age is 28 for an adult college student, he or she has a life experience beyond that of the "traditional" younger college student. The motivation of the older student to learn, exceeds the learning interest, and usually the motivational learning experience of the younger student.

This was an interesting tool. One I can definitely benefit from, but also I think can give students the boost they need to get through the semester with focus intact.

I have recently attempted to greet my students individually. Also, acknowledging any personal situations briefly they may have mentioned. I have found that initial cold and unresponsive students have changed in their attitude and the effort the put in the class. A personal interest goes a long way.

I find that what will work for some adults in the classroom will not always transfer to the lab setting. If several styles of learning are used, more people can be reached.

I think it is great that we are working to understand our students better through courses like these. I took a similar course through the ABMP's Instructors on the Frontlines series. We can always improve our ability to reach out to students by understanding them and where they come from because this enables us to understand why they do what they do. We can build from this to use these behaviors as an asset and not a liability. One strength of the younger generation is their ability to use technology very proficiently. Cell phones and technology can be a liability as they have the ability to detract from the classroom environment by being a distraction; however, using this as an asset for showing how technology can improve marketing in our field of study is very beneficial. Learning more gives us the ability to turn weaknesses into strengths.

I try to impart to the student what it was like for me when I was just starting out in my field.It creates empathy,security and identification on the part of the learner

I always find it helpful to remind the students at the middle of the block just how far they've come and to keep their motivation set at a high level for the rest of the course.I try to show them my respect for the fact that most of them are working full time and going to school and for the fact that many have made sacrifices to be doing this.

Do you feel that it can never be too later in the course to empower the learner by having them assess the new skill sets and knowledge gained? After module 3 in ED 102, I fully intend to shake it up a bit and have the students do this. I feel that it will give them a tremendous edge in their confidence going forward to finals and certification.

Sharing with the students my own personal experiences out in the field and how I was as a student, will help give them reality to what they are learning here in school. Constantly reminding them that the material and skills that they learn here will be important and used on the job will keep them focused and helps them understand the importance of what they are doing in class.

Being open to new ideas from the students gives them the energy and enthusiasm that they need to prevent themselves and myself from getting caught up in a routine where could become bored.

creating an open environment and greeting my students everyday will help build a teacher-student relationship that will create trust from the student and give better means to their learning experience.

You should know your students when it comes to their behaviors and what motivates them. You have those students on may occusions more than once which they are in the college. Most students need encoursgement from their instructors and others do not want to draw attention to themselves. If you know them, you will know how to motivate them.

It's important to have the open door policy so that students know that they can trust you. Encourage them to come to you with ideas and concerns they are having about the course. Make sure to stay on task and that you are not personal with them. But you can make them understand that you know where they are coming from.

I think if you put some fun into the courses that the students relate to it. When doing your review for a test use games such as Tic Tac Toe, etc. Interact with your students and be open minded to adjustments that need to be made to help them learn the material.

I know that it's a challege for me to motivate someone that is not really as interested in the courses they are taking as they should be. I know that I work with them and try using personal experience in the field as I have been in it for 18 years. I think that you have to have a passion for what you do but not all that get into the medical field have that passion. Even in college, if you find that you are going to school for something you don't think you will enjoy, you need to think about switching to something you would enjoy.

Understanding the different age groups and possible cultural diversities that I could have in my class will help me as an instructor to teach my lesson according to the students needs and abilities.

Anyone have any useful ways of remembering names? I have a hard time remembering names in the very beginning.

I know that other professor tried this topic, but I want retake it. In my opinion, we have 60 % of the responsibility for the student’s motivation, and they have the other 40 %. The professor is the main figure who guide the academic process and convey the students the knowledge they need, and the way the students will be in relation with them. In addition, the professor is a live example that the students follow in a high frequency. The professor creates the conditions for them to feel security and autonomy which are the key issues that influence the classroom motivation of adult students. Students who have a sense of security, feel competent, and strongly belief that they can perform the tasks are assigned to them. When the professors create a good motivation, the students show increased effort and persistence.

It is important for an instructor to be both knowledgeable abd caring for the needs of the Adult learner. It is important to take the opportunity to know the student population in your class setting. This will allow the instructor to provide an atmospere conducive for the learning experience.