Richard Sawitskas

I just finished ED119 and thought it contained a lot of good information and resources on integrating "on-line" learning tools into the classroom.

I know there are those who are afraid that students would waste time if they were allowed access to a lot of these things (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc), but I think if it were employed as a type of homework assignment, it could be useful. In other words, tell them it's not to be done in class, but something that they can (should) do away from the classroom. Something that would take no more than 15 minutes of… >>>

Retention is very important to both the learning institution and the student. As an instructor, part of my duty is to help the student succeed (of course), but also make them feel welcome at the school and to let them know that the money they're spending to attend is not going to be a waste. As long as they stay focused on their ultimate goal, which hopefully is a career that they're going to love and work at for a long time.

However, some people just disappear before you even realize or can do anything about it and I think that's… >>>

@mjabs : RT102 Retention of Students

Humor certainly "lightens the mood" and I think is good to let the students know that you're relaxed. I think if they see I'm relaxed, that'll help them to relax as well. However, what some people see as "humor", others get insulted by. So there's always that fine line to walk.

I agree that critical thinking needs to be at least stressed more at the grade level. Young students seem to get pushed through the system today. It's more about "not holding little Johnny back" because we don't want to damage his self-esteem. But then little Johnny grows up, comes to a trade school like the one I work at, and has no skills to think his way through a situation or problem. I'm not blaming grade-school teachers for this, but the system that they have to work in that doesn't give them enough time to work with kids in this… >>>

@Waldo : good points. you would think that the students would be self-motivated (especially with tuition being what it is), but I've found that it's not always the case. This is not only disappointing for the student, but makes my job as an instructor more difficult as well. I want everyone to have fun learning what we're trying to teach. I do the best I can, but sometimes there are students that you just cannot reach.

Motivating people is tough - especially the younger ones. It seems to me that if you signed up for a career college, the "self" motivation should already be there. I'm excited about what I do and the path my career has taken me. I try to instill that same passion in every student I teach. Unfortunately, not every student has the same reason for coming to class.

I just finished ED119 and thought it contained a lot of good information and resources on integrating "on-line" learning tools into the classroom.

I know there are those who are afraid that students would waste time if they were allowed access to a lot of these things (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc), but I think if it were employed as a type of homework assignment, it could be useful. In other words, tell them it's not to be done in class, but something that they can (should) do away from the classroom. Something that would take no more than 15 minutes of… >>>