Ulises Valderrama

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

pre test help by giving the instructor a good indication of what the base knowledge of the class is. this information can be used to plan the course and get an idea of what need to be covered in grater detail.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

formig efective groups

Earlier in this lesson there was a suggestion on using pre tests to determine the knowledge base in a class. Using the pre test scores to help in forming groups is an effective way to make sure you end up with balanced groups. the idea is to have the stronger students help the weaker ones, they both benefit from that type of an arrangement.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Eye contact

Eye contact with students is an effective way to keep them engaged and focused. It also allows the instructor to gauge if the student might be having trouble with the material. Often times the student will avoid eye contact if he confused or he will just simply look confused.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

finding ways to make them feel welcome.

The students at UTI get to go to a new class with a new instructor every three weeks. Sometimes I do not take the time to do a proper welcome speech and I always end up regretting it. No mater how many times they have heard one it always helps them to know the instructor and the class better before the course gets started.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

It is important to remind the students about value.

Giving the students examples of graduates who have been successful in the job market is a great way to re enforce the perceived value of the education they have agreed to pay for.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Why are you here?

“Why are you here?” This is an important question that needs to be asked from time to time. Sometimes we ask the students this question or we remind them to ask themselves this question. When they answer this question, students have a tendency to put in more effort into the class and ultimately get more out of it. Reminding them of why they are here helps to motivate them to overcome their fears and insecurities.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Retention

Unfortunately student do not share their problems in clear ways. They do not ask for help when they have stress in their life, so it is up to us to interpret their conduct and they to help if we think there is a problem. Many times students exhibit anger when interacting with other students in the class or with us, the instructors. It is important that we understand that they are very rarely angry with us or their class mates, they are most likely dealing with a stressor they do not know how to fix or overcome. When the student… >>>

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Keeping the motivation Up

I notice that many of the students, from time to time, have issues with motivation. They will become less motivated and therefore do not try as hard as they once did. This eventually leads to further disappointment and the student is at risk for dropping out of school. Finding ways to motivate students is an important skill to use when attempting to increase retention. There is no one way or method to motivate a class but by using as many different ways as possible we stand a good chance of motivating a larger group.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Staying positive

Projecting a positive attitude sets a good tone for the day and for the course in general. This positive attitude is infectious and has a stress relieving side affect that can benefit students and improve retention.

Ulises Valderrama CHEP

Discussion Comment

Retention and stress

The stress factor that comes from enrolling into a school and making a commitment for about a year or more to see it through takes its toll on the students. The stress tolerance for each student is different and the effects of this stress can lead to attrition. Because students are rarely the ones to ask for help in order to relieve some of this stress, instructors are in a position to encourage them to ask for help as early on as possible.