Retention is a major factor for student success
Having completed course 102, I have been reminded of all the facets that need to occur in the classroom in order to keep a student's interest and motivation. How a student learns best (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) is important; but, equally important is why the student has chosen to be there, and how do they imagine this course will help with attaining their goal. The instructor needs to interact with all these aspects as the course progresses to completion. I have gotten some deeper understanding of what I need to bring to each student, and some valuable ideas to put into my "motivation tool box." This was a very good course that I would recommend be taken more than once, if possible: as they say, " more will be revealed;" and, it definitely was for me.
Well said, James...I would say that meeting the learner where they are at is just the beginning of the education journey for the learner. There are so many factors at play with each learner (where they are at in their life education journey, what are the personal factors at home that may be interfering with fully engaging with the course content, what's in it for them, etc.). I think you are right on track when you say that the instructor needs to interact with all aspects as the course progresses to completion. This is the mark of a "master teacher" who aims to know their students...after all, we are not there to "catch" them not knowing something. It's a little like golf, if the learner can see the "green" they can shoot towards it. If they don't know what is expected of them, they are doomed to fail. I have never subscribed to the "Pontius Pilate" teacher who says "I taught it, they didn't learn it"...if you did teach a concept and the students didn't get it, how are you reteaching it? Or teaching it a different way? If the goal is mastery for all students, then how are we (as teachers) reacting to the fact that the student hasn't grasped something? It's really not about how we teach, its about how students learn! :)
