One of my problems is recognizing when I push a student too hard. I like to believe that I am pushing them to succeed, but there are times that I feel I am pushing certain students too hard and they just shut down. I realize then that I can't stop pushing (though the urge is there) but I need to push in a different way. My question is how can I "see" this shut down coming and head it off?

the problem with orientation sometimes is you have to cover so many rules that the student to detatch them selfs the first day

I work at an auto trade school sometimes the sales people tell students things that are not always 100% true this is sometimes hard to meet their expectations

According to what we found to be true about what is necessary for a student to obtain an education. That is, study very hard, follow instructions, ask questions in class etc... What are the needs of a student before he/she can think about attending college? Primary goals are important however; without having basic needs before students attend higher education will result in failure. What can be done about this situation before students attend college?

Retention is a very complicated subject & there are no easy solutions. If we are honest to ourselves & relate retention to our circumstances then we can find answers to this problem. Unfortunately there are so many situations we may have a solution to theoretically but practically it is not going to happen. Statements like that everything is possible with hard work is good & encouraging but is very hollow & does not mean anything. Therefore we need to be honest to ourselves & to the students & tell them there is very little chance of success upfront if there are situations which cannot be resolved or student is not a fit for a course

I make a point to email each of my students after thed first day of attendance in order to welcome them to my class and to start that "Trust Factor" for my class.

It is vital that the expectations are set from the monent the student sets foot in the classroom. Relationship building starts with the introduction of the instructor and getting to know the student.

I believe that student needs to be challenged especially when it deal with healthcare issues. I can only think in terms of a student caring for one of my small children. They have to work at accomplishing all task assigned. They must be driven to be successful in order to provide life saving healthcare to all desiring family memember. So how do I motivate this student population to be disciplined and discard all of the past negative situation that builds on there stressors. As the lesson states it starts with the instructor, school and other faculty staff. But we have to have a willingness to speak to the heart of students. That is my new goal to appeal to the soul. Henry

The same thing that effects new student also effect new hires within the career filed. We call GAS reality shock in the nursing field. Most grads burn out the first year. We build in our curriculum achievable milemarkers to encourage the students to continue to work hard and learn. We also discuss reality shock, as a normal process to growing and learning and coping strategies to manage it; such as, our new students are taught skill by our mature students in our program (since they can enter anywhere in the wheel). The mentoring helps the new students develop comaradarie. What have you done to help overcome reality shock for your students?

Bringing in fun activities for students may make them feel more comfortable such as bring a treat day.

It is important to provide all of the tools that the student will need to be successful in the beginning. They will feel more a part of the classroom if they know what it is expected of them early on.

It may be a good idea for students to develop a mentorship program so that new students will have a go to person to talk to about concerns with the program they are in.

Orientation is very important for students to develop a connection to the college. They will get to meet people that are in their program before class starts and exchange numbers if need be.

If one is not happy on the inside it will not be projected on the outside.

How do we as instructors tell the difference between encouraging a student or enabling them?

How does our own cultural backgounds effect how we view our students?

Would the gift the giver give us to see ourselves as others see us. How do we really look to our students?

At times I find myself wanting to lower my standards so students can pass a class a not get discouraged. However, I always bring myself back to the the responsibility I have to to the reputation of my school, and my responsibility to those students that have degrees from the school (i.e., to make sure their degrees remain valuable and legitimate). Do others have this problem? If so, how do they handle the situation?

What can we do on a personal level to help with student retention?

I never ask whats in it for me! I want to know how it will effect my students and my overall program first! We should only wants what best for everybody especially the student.