Helen Saunders

Adult learners need to know that there is a team behind them when they enter school, online or other wise. They have to know that they are not just a number and that someone has their true best interest at heart.

The best practice for student retention for me is the chear leader. Students need someone on their side that will not, in a sense, benefit from their success. Just someone who cares about them and really wants to see them succeed.

Instructors need to be a guide when it comes to motivating students to remain in school. Working with the admissions department is a plus because they already know the student goals and family life. I have found that when you reference their family members by name, it shows that you were paying attention.

The role of model, mentor and monitor does not stop at the door or when we log off. The role of instructor incorporates that mind set throughout your community. Instructor who are mor community mindful tend to be better role models and mentors for their students.

The first week of class is so important for new and returning students. I have been teaching for more than 15 years and I have noticed that the more engaged the students were the first week better chance of returning the next. Hands on activities work great the first week. Getting students in the lab early, if you can safely, really gets them motivated to continue.

The online platform has allowed this institutions to incorparate of lot of the needed suppiles or materials right on the platform. This is such a convience for students when they can locate vital information in one central location.

I am proud to say I work at an institution who not only practice what they preach but by me taking these courses, I now see where this all stems from. The orientation that our school provides is clearly outlined in this lecture. Great job.

Instructors who have lived in the real world and can relate to their students helps to keep the lines of communication open. Self disclosure is vital when teahcing adults. The adult learner needs to know that you truly understand what they are going through. We have all been teen agers, so for the most part we should know how to communicate with them.

It is just not how you communicate with students but what. That will be the difference between understanding and miscommunication which could lead to withdrawl for the student. Effects are bills to the school and student and instructor have both lost their confidence.

There are so many different ways to communicate with your students today but we need to remember giving out too much personal information is not good, such as personal email or number.