Hi Robert, It is a great idea to show the students how the course content will help them in their profession. Honestly, students want to know why they have to take certain courses. Once students understand the relevance of the course to their chosen profession; they don't want to miss a day of the course because of the importance. I have a PowerPoint presentation for every course that I teach based on how the course will help the student in their chosen profession. I get them really excited on the first day to make them not ever want to miss class time. I generally, always have a retention rate above 90% every grading period. Patricia