Retention
As I get older, I see that each of the students that I think are not taking the course work seriously are doing nothing different then I did at their age. I am becoming more tolerant or understanding of these concerns. First I try to make each student feel that completing something you started is as important as the decision you made to start it in the first place. Education in any area is never a waste of time because you should always take some knowledge skill or life lesson away from the experience. I am beginning to see that focusing on these outcomes capture more interest from the student. I try not to focus on perfection but rather a good experience with the course material. I believe that a lot of the students that left may have left because I thought I cared too much and may have put unrealistic expectations on the students. Every student may not have the same vision of the outcomes or expectations that I have of the material being delivered. I guess we all sooner or later figure out what it is we will do. However, all the life experiences make us what we become.
Are you talking about outcomes/expectations at a macro level or the classroom level? Hopefully, classroom outcomes are sufficiently well outlined that the student and instructor are clear on the expectations.
Every student may not have the same vision of the outcomes or expectations that I have of the material being delivered. I guess we all sooner or later figure out what it is we will do. However, all the life experiences make us what we become.
I'm not so sure about your statement about becoming President, but it is important to help students shape expectations. Do you retain the index cards for future use?
This couldn't be more true for me. The time I spend with my students is a time that I focus on what they are looking for. I've had some classes complete an index card with what they are looking to get out of their degree. Now I make this part of a discussion. Some are not wanting to be President, some are just wanting a better life or knowledge. It has taught me to remind them they could be President if they wanted to and to always learn and gain whatever experience is provided to them.
