James Jackson

Michele, great point. For those schools that are more focused on turning a profit versus producing learning outcomes and turning out professional students the times are becoming more and more difficult. Education is a privilege and not a right. Everyone has the right to an outstanding education but it is a privilege to attend school. There are no easy answers here as you do not control how your administration handles student enrollment. Your focus should be to always remain positive, professional and focus on helping your students understand WHY they should take accountability for their education. The data is very… >>>

Liza, ALL students want to be treated as adults. One technique I have used for years is to include a discussion about what an adult student does and how they should be treated and how an adolescent student acts and how they should be treated. When students hear from me that students in their late 40's can be considered as adolescents and students in their early 20's can be considered as adults the discussion really gets their attention. From that point forward I have key terms I can use when talking with students about behavior and what I expect from… >>>

Laszlo, I tend to favor your side of this discussion. I am totally understanding that students have very complex lives and commend them for their hard work to do what they can to attend physical classes. I always inform my students that it is not a reflection of their situation but a matter of professionalism and focus on ensuring all the materials of the lesson plan are covered. I start on time and end on time but also offer office hours that can be used to get caught up and always provide outlines of the materials covered. I have also… >>>