I have found that if a younger student connects with an older student, they both tend to have success in the classroom because they can encourage each other. Older students tend to play the mother/father role to the younger less experienced student. These types of students also are a help in retaining younger students. Younger students on the other hand can help the older student understand the information, use technology, and study for test. Older students can also be a great support system for younger students who lack transportation to school since some of them have cars.

To create a non-threatening environment, I have placed all the tables and chairs in my classroom in a horseshoe configuration. As I walk around in the middle of them, everyone is equally envolved and I like to think I have their undevided attention.

I love the idea of having the students write down a summary of what they have learned at the midpoint of the class term. This will give me a sense of accomplishment and direction going into the second half of the term. This will also give the students a chance to reflect on what they have actually learned.

I really like the way this module focuses on the human side of being an instructor. Caring about students is the first step to having good student retention. I particularly like how the module mentions that an instructor needs to greet an acknowledge each student upon entering the class. This shows individual attention from the VERY beginning.

I find Student Retention to be a very challenging part of my duties. This course is bringing several new approaches to light. So far, I'm enjoying this module completely.

Student trust is tops, with out trust you can't build a relationship with your students, and that is needed for them to want to learn our subject matter.

Just being enthusiastic and genuinely excited about teaching the course shows the students that they have a good leader they can depend on to teach the course.

I find that it is important to have small review session before each class to bring all the students back on the same page before starting new material.

By using personal experiences to provide examples relative to the course discussions, you will refresh why it is important to keep the information you teach retained

TEAM!!! The Main focus of my classrooms and interactions with colleagues I gear around the TEAM Aspect... Teaching Application Courses, I live and breath the projector based lecture. Students watch me do, then I do & they do, then I do Again one more time!!! Anyone not able to do is assisted by a classmate to accomplish the objective. Students who have little constructive processes in Applications to grow upon, are assisted often during this process, and accomplish the task in a team (non-pressure learning). Those who have ample constructive backgrounds are called out and assist during these lectures (rewards). They are hailed for helping others. With that said, students who began courses asking for help, tend to turn and begin helping others as their confidence progresses....therefore, balance is achieved....

I think one of the most important things that this section touched on was the combination of both types of motivation. You use a reward (extrinsic) to bridge the gap to real high quality motivation (intrinsic). One of the most important things I see people over look, in and out of the classroom, is planning their rewards around the transition into intrinsic motivation. Too often people see the constant extrinsic rewards and modify the way they do things to only meet the minimum requirements to obtain the rewards. Give a reward to teams that complete activities that enabling socialization and building a solid team environment, this will (hopefully) lead to the intrinsic reward of a great group experience.

during lecture periods I find that outside activities associated with the lecture material tends to tie lecture with reality and assists in keeping the students interested. also field trips associated with the course being taught tend to allow welcome breaks from the daily routine, They seem to refresh the students and keep them on track as well as allowing the students to experience the real world in their field of endeaver.

I always use personal storied to reinforce what I am trying to teach so that they see the relevance.

If you are relaxed and at ease your students will be and be more open to learning

It is so important to put students at ease during class so that they are more open to learning

In my experience, if you just address the needs and fears that they have and acknowledge them as being valid, they are more likely to move past them faster.

Was particularly interested in the techniques for responding to questions. I plan to incorporate several of the suggestions into my classroom.

Elizabeth, Thank you for this excellent out line on how to increase the retention of students. If the students don't stay in school we can't help them. Instructors are the critical connection in keeping students coming to class and making progress toward their career goals. Gary

I believe giving homework so that they have had the book and reading it with review questions that shows me what students either realy want to be there or justto be there by a court mandated parole. I belive that sooner than later most students love school and make a huge turnaround. My biggest issue that I have to let my students find there way on their on with all the access and direction I give to thrm. Let's face it, there are some no matter what you do just do ot care. What do you think?

My students feel using the white board, talking about real life situations, going on field trips and using power points realy help he alot. just reading from a book is boring to them and they block me ot. I am energetic an always moving which gives them motivation and helps them succed.