Motivation for short term goals
It is very important to remind the students about why they came here in the first place. I like to "Engage" the students and remind them to keep your eyes on there goals. If we all get to know each and every student, we can sail to attrition of 100%. With these tools the students feel a part of a team or "family". Once we establish that support system our retention is untouchable.
David, any tips on how you provide that motivation?
I believe daily motivation is very important. Making students feel valued and wanted drives them and rewarding them for participating encourages them and motivates them.
Not every student wants to be a part of the "family" but most people do want to have some sense of belonging. I agree that goal setting is very important in the class. If students can see progress toward their goals, then the bigger picture, graduating and getting employed, doesn't seem as far away; this is especially true for students in their first and second terms.
Laudable goal, Kyle, but remember not every student is going to want to be part of the "family". What do you do then?
