Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for your observations and examples. It is so true that many of our non-traditional students face considerable life challenges that tend to pull them necessarily away from their studies. Ironically, I tell my graduates that this, in effect, is also one of the greatest values they can offer an employer - balance - the ability to balance school with work, job, family and financial responsibilities, and still succeed to accomplish their goals! For those that are successful, what a powerful asset to bring to the workplace - that same initiative and accountability. Regarding learning groups, I too have worked with students to help ensure that all are carrying their weight. As you reference, establishing clear expectations up front, along with students developing their own ground rules for a team, then monitoring along the way, are all crucial to group success. Peer pressure enters into the equation as well. I have had learning groups that actually have students sign a "team contract" that highlights roles, reponsibilities and expected outcomes. Thanks again, Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator