Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Blog Comment

This is a quandary. More and more we learn that paper and pen tests are not the best assessment tools. Yet, we are weighed down by an educational and industry certification process that counts on these so much. Yo don't want to teach to the test and yet you want the students to succeed. Not sure if I have a solution to your problem but I did want to confirm that I think this is more of a shared issue then you might know.

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

PowerPoints and Pecha Kucha

Pecha Kucha is a presentation format that came out of Japan. A Pecha Kuchca presentation is made up of 20 slides that may be displayed at 20 seconds each for a total of 6 minutes. I recently began reworking a PowerPoint presentation that I gave in an hour as part of a webinar. My goal is to "boil" it down to a Pecha Kucha style presentation. If I gave this in a class the 6 minute presentation would serve as setting the objectives for the day. I would then follow up with other activities such as discussions, group activities, and/or… >>>

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Field Trips

I found the Organizing Field Trips page very helpful. It reminded me of the website for the Smithsonian Institution and how it helped me when we were Home Schooling my sons. The website has worksheets to guide students through exhibits. It made the field trip to the museum enjoyable and provided a focus for my sons and I. I will be giving this info to my instructors.

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Engaging not motivating

Students come to class with motivation. It is our role to engage students in learning. This will reinforce and enhance their motivation. Student motivation begins with the desire to change or improve their lives. This is one of their expections when they come to us.

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS

The REFOCUS information is SO incredibly valuable. When I started teaching at a community college (a long time ago) I remember trying to teach the class the same way semester after semester for the first couple of years. It finally dawned on me to pay attention to what I was witnessing and what the students were trying to teach me. I finally understood that allowing the class to evolve as I gained more experience as a professional and as an instructor was a good thing. Developing the skill to refocus based on what is going on with the students during… >>>

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Clear Expectations and Consistency

While there are many ways we can enhance and impact student retention the two key methods for me are setting clear expectations for the students at the outset and being consistent in supporting those expectations throughout the class. The one other method that has helped me personally over the years is continuing to be a better listener. So often, the student just wants to know someone is willing to listen to their problems.

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Learners across generations

While taking this course I have had the opportunity to read an article about millenials working in the skilled trades. In the article the researchers provided comments on how millenials viewed themselves, how Gen Xers viewed millenials, and how baby boomers viewed millenials. The comments focused on specific skill sets. I mention this article because the comments seem to match up well with how this lesson described adult learners and those right out of high school. The millenials had a fairly good understanding of what others expected from them. Just as this lesson points out we need to remember that… >>>

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Improving your placement programs...

What does your placement department do to reach students throughout training? What could be improved to increase student retention?

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Improving your school involvement activities...

Develop a list of ideal school involvement activities that can be implemented in your school to increase student retention.

Ron Hansen, Ed. D.

Discussion Comment

Improving your orientation programs...

What kind of comprehensive orientation program can be put in place at your school? Or how can your current orientation program be improved to increase student retention?