Hi all, I was curious if anyone out there had specific, tested tips for increasing retention in an online learning environment. This has been helpful, but would still like to hear more about specific online tips. Thank you! Eric

In order to succeed in student retention students need to know you care. We've all heard the saying that goes something like "they don't care what you know until they know that you care". Once they know I have their success in mind, then we've started the process of building a firm foundation for success in the course. Also, struggling students often are scared to ask questions so it's important to be open in class and encourage everyone to ask questions regardless of how silly they feel the question might be.

As I believe Madeline Hunter stressed, saving a student's dignity is so important. When a student offers an answer that is incorrect, the tendency is to reply "no, that is not it." Using phrases like, "You may be thinking of . . ." to look for something correct to help save face is an important motivator as students soon learn your class is a safe learning environment.

I find usually the last couple of weeks of my classes many students are just completely tired and ready for the class to be over. They have tons of papers, projects and group work and many of them seem drained. What are some suggestions to keeping up with motivation and helping them get excited about nearing the end of the class. Many of the students I work with just kind of have a get it over with attitude. I've tried a number of things and being creative has helped, but generally students are difficult during this time period to get them really motivated.

In my experience, I've found that playing music the first day of class is really helpful for setting the mood for my courses. I usually select something upbeat or interesting. For example, I had a dance mix of Latin and African sounds that was really fun. A lot of students were intrigued to find this playing in the classroom and it opened the door to many conversations. Building rapport on day one is critical, so choosing a great ice-breaker is helpful as well. I really enjoy doing two truths and a lie...although with some of my students I've noticed they share inappropriate things (i.e. I've been in prison for 20 years) so depending on your audience it may not be wise. What are some other ways you build rapport on the first day?

So, I find that I am very extraverted. In some of my classes (usually the smaller ones) students are almosts forced to contribute and work together because there are only a few of them. Lately, in my larger classes I struggle to engage all of my students, particularly those who seems shy or just don't have a comment. I will generally ask them by name certain questions or for their opinions. Any suggestions on how the engage the introverts in class?

W.I.F.M. What's in it for me. When teaching anything always tell them whats in it for them. Why it's important. How it applies to thier daily life. At this point you'll get the buy in you need from them for the rest of the material you've yet to present.

So, I've taught at schools in California and Wisconsin. I have had a lot more cultural issues in Wisconsin. By this I mean, difficulty dealing with people who are a different sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. 99% of my students are white students who grew up in white areas with little to no experience dealing with someone who is different from them. I'm unsure how to help my students become more comfortable with people who are different from the "norm" they have experienced. In California it was a totally different story!

how can i keep a student motivated in todays job market?

What is the best way to keep the student focused, when they are having a bad day?

What is the best way to retain retention for non-subjected students?

I have found that topics regarding issues of diversity can sometimes become more heated in the online environment than in a traditional classroom setting as students cannot discuss these issues face to face taking into consideration body language, etc. What suggestions are there to encourage and support diversity in the on-line classroom?

shouldnt your focus be on the subject matter

how do you direct a lesson plan to 25 different students based on characteristics

how do you help students who have study issues

I have a range of student ages, and have noticed that some of the non-traditional students have some reading/writing/comprehension issues and wonder if they have potential undiagnosed learning disabilities. Is there a diplomatic way to bring this up with them?

With more open access-something good, we often have those who are more at risk. At the same time, we must help the institution maintain integrity. Does anyone run into grey areas?

motivation like an incentive to student make them move forward be positve about themself.

It is import to build a trust between student and instructor inorder that they listen , argue talk about their understanting.

You need bring the discussion in to their real life make to feel the subject in real.