Retention
I've always believed that holding students accountable and not making things easy is the best way. They do know when they are being cheated and seem to appreciate it when challenged, as well as supported and shown that it can be done.
Setting the standards is the base line to success and to provide the student of what is and is not acceptable behavior/homework. Setting the students on the road to success is a must and the students need to know how to get there. I am not in class to be a student's friend but as a "guidance" counselor. Yes, not everyone will succeed but not everyone is college material. We do a disservice to ourseles and to the student when we believe we can save everyone to include those who were misplaced in a career that they do not have interest in or are unable/not capable to fulfilling the career requirements. Time is limited and we must remember that our goal is to help those who want help and not to waste time on those who are there because of "receiving a check". Reality does poke a hole in the dream of helping everyone.
I couldn't agree with you more that instructors "...have to be accountable and not take the easy way out." The instructor has to be organized, come to class on time, hold class the entire allotted time, and just generally model professionalism. When the instructor is accountable the students respect that, and don't mind being held to a higher standard themselves.
I agree, most students are put off by other students who can pass the course just buy showing up. Why should they put effort into it when other less qualified ones can skate through.
I feel when you challenge the students, even thought they seem frustrated at times, you often get better results. This also allows the students to realize their full potential which generates a very postitive attidude towards their school work.
I have found that setting expectaions up front, explaing what is needed to succeed, helps students understand from the get go what is needed to advance. Then when an issue arrises, we can usually return to the beggining standard, returning a student back to comfort level.
Of the course the challenge is defining challenge. With often widely ranging skill levels among students in the class, any problem may be seen as elementary or overwhelming.
I agree but we as instructors also have to be accountable and not take the easy way out. Too many times I have seen instructors lecture for a little bit, hand out assignments and sit at their desk or sometimes leave the classroom altogether. These same instructors also look at questions as work rather an opportunity. As you mentioned, students know when they are being cheated, but if they feel their instructor is up for a challenge and is willing to step-up then they will follow.
