Michael Vivona

When it comes to retention I feel it starts by being up-front and honest with the student/students. Most Post- secondary students are tired of being promised the world and getting a slice of pizza and a small glass of soda. Some of their first encounters were “Career Counselors “or “Sales Reps.” who earned a commission for getting a warm body to “sign on the dotted line”. They were promised untold riches and opportunities to earn Rock Star status in the word as we know it. Then, when they attend their first few classes they see that it might not be… >>>

I find that being prepared for the day’s lesson plan is essential. I try to get to the class room well before the students arrive, write the date and objectives for the day on the white board along with any activities or tests we will be doing. I then gather all the items that I would like to pass around and organize them neatly in an area that I can easily access them. Review the lesson plan in my head and make notes on key points that I want to cover. I then take a quick mental break. By getting… >>>

One thing I found helpful when teaching a class is to get away from the attitude that I know everything and you know nothing. Yes I have more experience than my students but that does not mean I can't learn from them. Whenever a student conveys an question, comment, idea or story try not to quickly shut them down. One of the worst things one can do to a student is making them feel as though they are insignificant. This is a quick way to not only loose the student, but deter the class from participating. One technique I use… >>>