I teach Surgical Technolgy and I find it's easy to lose the attention of my students if I meander away from the topic even if it's only for a few minutes. I, the instructor, have to be as sharp as a tack to stay on task even though what I'm trying convey sometimes relies upon sharing my experiences to paint the picture to match my daily lecture material. "Sharing" can easily turn into an all out Q&A session if I don't hang on to my reins tightly. When my students get so excited and inquisitive is when losing focus takes place. It can difficult to draw the line between "sharing" and actual book lecture; both are so valuable.

There is an obvious definitive line between the values and needs of the younger and the "wise" (older) students. As their instructor who is 40, I often have to reach back into my memories to help me relate to my younger "kids", while at the same time I try to draw from my own elders' experiences to understand my older ones. Being 40 is a wonderful age to teach at this educational level as it makes it easy to be the bridge between both. I also find it very enjoyable being the "translator" in this interactive social scenario I refer to as "my class".

I have done instructors who lack passion& this exercise has brought this forward. I truly believe that passion is felt not taught & only a teacher can create this in the classroom . This is our opportunity to inspire, we have a moment everyday where we can tie the "why" into what we do. I can see differences in teachers who are animated & those who do this for a job & show up. Michelle Callaghan

motivating student is a key point maintain enjoyable learning environment.

implementing new ideas into the classroom environment will improve better understanding

setting the rules and regulations at the beginning of the classroom that will definately help mutual benefit for both parties, instructor as well as student.

I think the key to adult learner motivation is too make everything relevant to their field of work or the field of work they aspire too. If they see the usefulness of something you are teaching then the rest of the job is just helping them deal with their life situations so they can stay on track.

I have often wondered if small gifts or even food/candy could come across as condescending or insulting to the adult learner? My contention is that if we use these type of motivators, present it light heartedly, perhaps by saying "let's take a break and have some fun with food!" What do you guys think? I also wonder if what it says about a student if they are not intrinsically motivated? It seems to me that more successful students are intrinsically motivated? Chip

It took me a term or so to try and balance the diversity at school. It is an interesting thing to see when all different ages and races come together and work together for the same goals.

I Love the the new ideas that keep the classroom fresh. I love the REFOCUS and the games that can be played. I will share this with my faculty at our next meeting tomorrow so they can also benefit from this.I will ask them to implement 1 gamne each week until they have expanded their ideas on their lesson plans. Michelle callaghan

Lots of ideas come from the interner to keep students motivated, especially adult learners. The u tube videos of teachers teaching from berkeley , stanford and many other top ranking colleges are helpful to see how passionate a teacher can be to engage students.

Adult learners are nervous in comparision to peers due to age. I see it in my classroom often. They feel they have been out of school to long & cant learn as quick, they need a lot of reinforcement and support to get over this learning curve. Once they do they feel accomplished and it builds their confidence. Michelle Callaghan

if in fact that you are a true INSTRUCTOR you should be at the top of your GAME. AND COME TO WORK WITH YOUR GAME FACE ON EVERYDAY.TO ME THAT'S MOTOVATION ENOUGH.

by focusing on all of your students,you will learn how better to help them.

by understanding your students, you get a fill or a good repore, with them, so you can help them better, at what they are trying to learn.

One of the reflection questions asked if everyone benifts from an academic advisor. I think that everyone can benift from an academic advisor, but advising methodoligies should be tailored to the student. Some self-directed individuals may find advising methods used on non-self directed indiduals to be annoying. It is important to acknowledge the students' self direction and offer additional insite so that they will see the value in having an advisor.

The best I can do at this point is to make sure my Education Manager is given all my notes on this training, this will provide for her to better train them or move them forward.

I have taught for many years and after reviewing this section of ED 102 Student retention, I was reminded of my challenges when first starting and how I tried to control the class thinking that student challenges were aimed at me personally. Now after this last section of the course, I'm now looking from the experienced instructor point of view, I see where I may have become too focused on refining of the class materials. I really enjoyed the section entitled the reins of control.

As I am a Registrar I need to know how to recharge my instructors?

This carries over into every asspect of the educational process. We continue the Human Factor in the Student Services office by treating every student with care and being fair to his or her problem.