When it comes to retention I feel it starts by being up-front and honest with the student/students. Most Post- secondary students are tired of being promised the world and getting a slice of pizza and a small glass of soda. Some of their first encounters were “Career Counselors “or “Sales Reps.” who earned a commission for getting a warm body to “sign on the dotted line”. They were promised untold riches and opportunities to earn Rock Star status in the word as we know it. Then, when they attend their first few classes they see that it might not be all that true, this makes the future Instructors job a lot more difficult because of the nasty flavor it left in the student’s mouth. I try to be clear on the course lessons and objectives. I also always keep in mind that these students are much more than just numbers, they are thinking, breathing, feeling Human Beings that have legitimate lives and experiences. Some students just quit because that’s what they know. If an instructor can display a little honest concern and compassion, with out getting overly involved in their personal life, it just might save the student from caving in.