As instructors it is very important to try to retain our students. Retaining are students doesn’t mean to be friend with them and that’s where many instructor goes wrong is trying to be friends with students. As this course states there’s many factors which influence the student’s beliefs. Create a non-threatening environment • Start each class with an overview • Be well-prepared and ready to begin • Provide a brief outline of your lesson or lecture notes • Help students to learn based on what they already know (constructivism). Students appreciate a great instructor with a sense of humor not a friend

It helps to be aware of students' progress and their personal successes and failures to help them achieve success in and outside the classroom.

One of my challenges are those few students in each cohort that take advantage of missing class lectures and lab time. Our policy is they can miss up to 25% without being dropped from our program. Unfortunetly, a few will test that 25% each module and therefore get behind and suffer. This then requires the instructor to go above and beyond each module and get them up to speed, in which, the instuctor begins to burn out.

Sometimes when I think about motivating students, I try to recall and reflect upon what has motivated me the most. I know that there is a lot out there on the kind and amount of praise that is most effective. What has motivated you? Martha Moore

I have always known that encouraging students, complimenting and giving the props for at least trying and asking them to study a little more on a daily a little at a time; then to review a few times before class or an exam. It works for me.

I would love to learn more ways to be fun in classes. I have a very relaxed atmosphere and more fun added would be a great asset.

I have experienced some adult learners only want to have their own way, agenda and outcome in class room settings. Some have a hard time with rules, structure and plan old instructions; sometimes this can be one of the greatest battles.

Students are motivated when allowed to practice skills.

I always conduct a review at the beginning of class from the last class session to help students focus on the subject.

Prior to covering material I explain the relevance of their knowledge in the content area.

I always address students by name.

I think that it is so important to keep the students focused on the big picture and why they are here. Going back to personal stories and or experiences lets the students share their experiences in life whether it relates to the current field choice or not. It will keep them motivated to keep on going and realize that everything they have learned in life does actually apply to their current field because it has led to this decision of choosing a new career path.

I believe that anyone can get into a teaching rut. Making every class time a fun and informative event can make the students want to come back and learn. Everyone learns better when they feel that they belong to something. Changing up the way you teach your class on a weekly basis can help keep things fresh and different not only for the students but for the instructors.

I believe that everyone wants to be excepted in life. At a career college the average student is around 45 years old. A goals wall with personal dreams, ambitions, and pictures of family can really put things into perspective when life gets hard. It will make that student realize again why they are doing what their doing. We as instructors can make these people feel at home and that they can achieve success but we have to get to know who they are so that we can encourage more and see them to the true end of their educational journey.

Consistent encouragement and using life experiences along with positive interest in the material helps to motivate students.

The more open minded the instructor, the more opportunities the instructor has to establish a better rapport with each student.

The more ehtnusiastic the instructor, the more likely to have students become more involved in class.

Knowing your students interests helps in motivating them.

I start my course with students working as teams on specific tasks, then gradually work into individual assignments. This allows students that are already familiar to some degree with certain processes help those that are not. Those students that may have struggled working alone are brought up to a level where they can perform successfly when the assignments become their individual responsibility. All involved gain confidense in their abilities. Both those abilities they may already possess and those they are developing. I believe this enhances the students' security in the learning environment.

Many of my adult learners fear that their unfamiliarity with technology will be a barrier, not simply "feling disadvantaged compared to others" (the implied reference is to younger people, I suppose, who grew up with tech). I enourage them by saying that they can learn applications rather quickly, if they try, but experience -- perspective on life -- takes years and there is no fast way. What else can I add?