I like to have a great attitude while working with students

We try and help all students by giving them a chance to retake a course for free provided they give it their all.

I like to interact with students as this seems to keep them moving with a subject I am teaching.

Our school has many ways of recognizing the students and helping them with their academic and personal challenges. Most of the suggestions in the Module 3 thread we already have in place. In adult education the students do not seem to have any time available to attend non class events due to their work schedule, family commitments, and school schedule. Our students are in class for 5 hours a day, have a job that most need just to pay the bills, and then time for family. The syllabus and curriculum do not leave much time available. In the past we have had hot dog cookouts between classes and extended the start times for the students, providing them a meal and a chance to relax and eat. But that memory quickly fades. We have to constantly give them a pat on the back to provide that sense of accomplishment in order to keep them engaged. I am all for that! I am proud of anyone that chooses to learn a new career, whether it is their first career or fifteenth. I think it is the frequency that needs to be considered. With their schedules being as packed in as they are, how would you go about increasing the amount of recognition?

Over my years as an instuctor of automotive and diesel students, I've seen the incredible variety of student types that are contained within the 17-25 year old, male, single, still-at-home group that form the majority of our student body. I like to believe that all of them are better for being here than not being here. I believe they all gain self-respect and develop necessary life skills by attending these programs. All this goes beyond the particular course of study they're here for. Here, often away form Mom & Dad for the first time; they learn (or at least are exposed to) cooperative work and team skills, documentation skills, communication skills and have an impetus to improve their social skills. IF they are fortunate enough to realize this over their first few days or weeks, the real value of attending a quality training facility gaining skills in a career path that interests them is all the retention you could hope for.

Course instruction and material in itself, will take care of itself. The vast majority of teachers/educators are well trained and professional at presenting their own course material. Student very rarely drop out of class due to this issue. But the human side of the student is where the retention issue lays. I make it a point several times during the course to restrengthen the students core belief on why they started school and the rewards when they finish. What the course they are presently enrolled has to offer and the new skills they will have learned by completing the course. The greatest tool I have learnd for myself is what I call "Open Fridays". By opening up the class to speak whatever is on their minds often times allows the students to address issues that they are facing. More than likely, several of the students themselves have already addressed issues that others maybe facing and offer answers to problems at the students level. Thus allowing the instructor staff insights into problems that need to be confronted on the students behalf. Its a win, win for both student and teacher.

There is a common goal everyone needs to be involved to help achieve

Just saying Hi and showing interest in them in the hallway creates a foundation forthe future

seeing and or creating a vision, being aware of and seeing blind spots, and providing great customer service.

Model, mentor and Monitor. Most of this is accountability. We need to hold ourselves, our fellow staff members and our students accountable.

I have seen some students get so involved with outside events (out side the class room)that they have a hard time in the class room and there grades start to fall. So I recomend to them to put there studies first then there job,then see how much time they have left for the other. What is a good rule on this? How do they know how much???What advice should the teacher give???

In the program i teach we had a large number of students failing the first three weeks of a fifteen week program. We started an orientation day prior to starting the program so students would know what was going to be expected and what it was going to take to be able to complete program. We went from 60% pass rate to 90% pass rate.

I have had students with problems and have tried to help,sometimes I am blown away with how much they tell us. How far is ok and what subjects do we aviod? Is there a fine line? I think so but am curiuos to know others opinions.

Many of our students are young (right out of high school) and not prepared to deal with the every day stresses that most adults are used to dealing with on their own. This is an obstacle to learning and retention. Just being an ear to our students and letting them know that we understand what they are going through can be beneficial.

The company as a whole needs to work together as a team when a student or students are identified as having issues, be them personal or academic. If an instructor identifies such a student, there needs to be follow up and follow through with that particullar student and those practices should be shared with other employees. Alot of what we learn from those experiences can be applied to best practices and used for other students as well, unless otherwise deemed an individual problem.

When a student fails a test or is behind in there labs now is the time to act. We need to make sure the student knows what they are missing in lab and make sure they know we have tutoring. When and were tutoring is available is very important. Same goes with attendance. Why did the student miss a day? Show concern about this problem and that you are willing to work with them.

This is school commitment. Teaching the students why we act professional and how this will get them the job.

Some studnts may need some help in the planning of their finacial concerns. Money is a big part of stress in a college invironment. Helping students to budget their money can help keep them in school. It is not a good idea to discuss a students concern in front of the class.

Having fun in class keeps the students interested. When a student(s) fall behind ask them questions on why they are not attenteding school, show concern, offer them help, and find out what their concerns are.

I know as instructors we are not necessarily here to entertain but I feel if you can have fun with your students they will warm up to you faster,pay attention and want to come to class. Who ever said learning cant be fun. I have had great success with this method for the past 12 years and my retention averages about 96% I am interested in other teaching styles,we can all improve.I look forward to any comments.