Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

"The best laid plans of mice and men offen go awry". The demands of life for both the student and instructor can easily pull each apart in the confines of the classroom causing a fragmentation of the learning process. The kaleidoscope of mind over matter for the instrutor and matter over mind for the student hints at the on going challenges for both. In terms of refocusing, when I park my vehicle at work and lock the door to remind myself why I am here. Thirty students expect my best and the emotional drive to see my student succeed overcomes… >>>

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

The Human Side

My belief is that every student has the so called "Green Button - Red Button" built within them. Oftentimes the educator/teacher overlooks the human side of the equation which is the stongest driving force. The material being taught in itself will follow it's own natural course if the student is lead and believes it is in their best interest to learn the material before them. Also as teachers our job may be the relighting of that fire within the student that may have gone out. At times outside interference of other responsibilities can derail the best students commitment.

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

Iraq Vets

Having taught now for about four years and being a D.A.V. RET myself from the bad days of the '60s, I'm finding more and more Iraq vets either starting college or resuming where they left off. A mixture of combat vets with young students from high school can be a challenge. One group's only concern is where the next beer is coming from and who they are taking out this weekend. The other has what is known as, "The Million-Mile Stare," seeing things that only they can see and, frankly, just wanting to be left alone. Sadly, neither group mixes… >>>

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

Successful Outcome

1. Identify students within the classroom setting that may be experiencing issues both academically and socially that may be interfering with couse success. 2. Address issues directly with student to identify what course of action may or must be taken either at the instructorial or staff level. 3. Follow up with student and staff on regular intervals to make minor corrective actions to benefit the student's successful outcome.

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

The Wagon Effect

Cause & Effect, or what I call "Who or What is driving the Bus". Many students bring issues to the classroom that are not directly related to the course material. Any educator/teacher worth their salt, understands that oftentimes the success of the student's academic future is related directly to the emotional and mental state of the student. This is what I call the "Wagon Effect". Sometimes a educator/teacher must fix the wheels or replace them before the wagon can carry the load to be successful. I do disagree with the course material in one aspect, the educator must take the… >>>

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

Retention

A student's success is related directly to the environment of the teacher/educator on a emotional and personal level. Retention is driven by what the student believes their relationship is with the instuctor and school as a whole. This may be why a student will do well in one class and poorly in another. We as humans are driven by our own unique emotional strengths and weakness. If a teacher/educator can tap into this river of possiblies with the student and understands what drives their personal successes, the problems of attriton and retention due to a students self image are deminished.

Garry Adams

Discussion Comment

Retention, The Human Equation.

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.… >>>