Motivation That Lasts — A Blueprint for Online Retention

 

When we think of student retention in online learning, motivation is often at the core. Yet motivation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey. It evolves as students move through their course, influenced by structure, relevance, feedback, and connection.

 

In Motivating and Retaining Online Students, we explored the psychological, emotional, and contextual factors that keep learners engaged. One key finding: adult learners thrive when the learning environment honors their autonomy and connects content to their lived experiences.

 

Some strategies that work include:

• Making relevance visible: Begin each module by linking concepts to professional practice or real-life scenarios.
• Fostering early wins: Design early assignments for success to build student confidence.
• Using motivational scaffolds: Provide choices in how learners engage with materials or demonstrate knowledge.

 

Successful online learning begins with a clear understanding of what motivates adult learners and how that motivation is sustained across a course or program.

 

Lehman, R. M., & Conceição, S. C. (2014). Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work. Jossey-Bass. 

 

What are some techniques you’ve used to sustain motivation throughout a course? Join us in the "Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning" forum and share your experience.

 

 

Designing for Flexibility: Supporting Lifelong Learners in a Busy World

 

 

Life doesn’t stop for online courses. Most adult learners are juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and community obligations, often all at once. That’s why flexibility in course design isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.

 

When we design with real life in mind, we help learners succeed even when things get unpredictable.

 

Here’s how we build flexibility into our courses:

• Asynchronous learning options allow students to engage at their own schedule.
• Bite-sized content that allows for learning in short bursts (perfect for busy lives).
• Soft deadlines and grace periods so students can stay on track without added stress.

 

We also like to include catch-up weeks or “buffer zones” throughout the course to provide breathing room. And tools like checklists, calendars, and reminders can help students stay organized and confident.

 

Designing for flexibility shows learners we understand—and respect—the realities of their lives. And that respect goes a long way toward keeping them enrolled, engaged, and successful.

 

How have you used flexible course design to support your students? Let’s keep the conversation going in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum.

 

Further Reading

For more strategies and practical guidance on online teaching and learning, explore our books:

·      Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work (2014) - Discover evidence-based practices to keep online learners engaged and committed throughout their learning journey.

·      Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success (2011) - Learn how to design, deliver, and manage online courses effectively, while maintaining work-life balance as an instructor.

·      Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners (2010) - Explore practical ways to foster connection, engagement, and support in online learning environments.

 

Do you have ideas, reflections, or questions? We invite you to share them in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum, moderated by Simone Conceição and Rosemary Lehman.

 

Feedback as Fuel: How Timely, Targeted Responses Boost Retention

 

We often say that feedback is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have—and in online learning, it’s absolutely essential. It’s how we let students know they’re on the right track, offer guidance for improvement, and show that their efforts matter.

 

When feedback is timely, thoughtful, and encouraging, it becomes more than evaluation—it becomes motivation.

 

Here’s what we strive to do:

• Respond promptly—even short comments delivered quickly can make students feel acknowledged.
• Offer specific, actionable feedback. Rather than a generic “great job,” we focus on what worked well and where there’s room to grow.
• Use audio or video feedback when possible—it helps convey tone and warmth more effectively.

 

We also like to highlight progress: “This shows a big improvement since your last post—keep it up!” goes a long way in building confidence.

 

Feedback is more than grading—it’s about building a connection that keeps students engaged and motivated to move forward.

 

What feedback strategies have helped you keep online learners on track? We’d love to hear from you in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum.

 

Further Reading

For more strategies and practical guidance on online teaching and learning, explore our books:

·      Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work (2014) - Discover evidence-based practices to keep online learners engaged and committed throughout their learning journey.

·      Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success (2011) - Learn how to design, deliver, and manage online courses effectively, while maintaining work-life balance as an instructor.

·      Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners (2010) - Explore practical ways to foster connection, engagement, and support in online learning environments.

 

Do you have ideas, reflections, or questions? We invite you to share them in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum, moderated by Simone Conceição and Rosemary Lehman.

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Community Counts: Fostering Connection in Online Classrooms

 

Let’s be honest—online learning can sometimes feel like a solitary experience. Without the casual chat before class or the quick smile from a peer, students may feel disconnected. And when that sense of connection is missing, it’s easy for motivation to dwindle.

 

But with intentional design and facilitation, online learning communities can thrive—and we’ve seen how powerful they can be.

 

Here are a few practices we use to build connection:

• Regular, guided interaction through weekly discussion boards that include prompts and instructor participation.
• Opportunities for peer feedback that enable students to learn from one another and gain different perspectives.
• Informal communication channels, such as class forums or “virtual lounges,” where students can connect socially.

 

And of course, instructor presence is key. Weekly announcements, encouraging messages, and even a friendly emoji here and there help students feel supported and seen.

 

When students feel like they belong, they’re more likely to participate fully and persist through challenges.

 

How do you foster connection in your online courses? Join us in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum to share your tips and experiences.

 

Further Reading

For more strategies and practical guidance on online teaching and learning, explore our books:

·      Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work (2014) - Discover evidence-based practices to keep online learners engaged and committed throughout their learning journey.

·      Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success (2011) - Learn how to design, deliver, and manage online courses effectively, while maintaining work-life balance as an instructor.

·      Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners (2010) - Explore practical ways to foster connection, engagement, and support in online learning environments.

 

Do you have ideas, reflections, or questions? We invite you to share them in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum, moderated by Simone Conceição and Rosemary Lehman.

 

Sparking Engagement from the Start: Building Motivation Early in Online Courses

 

Starting an online course can feel like walking into a room full of strangers who already know each other. For students—especially adult learners juggling work, family, and other responsibilities—those first impressions matter a lot. The way we welcome them into the learning space can spark motivation that lasts or lead to early disengagement.

 

So, how can we ensure our online classrooms feel inviting and energizing from the start?

 

Here are a few strategies we’ve found especially helpful:

• Share a short welcome video that introduces us and sets a warm, inclusive tone for the course.
• Use a low-stakes, personal icebreaker activity. Invite students to post a photo, story, or reflection that helps us get to know them as individuals.
• Make course goals clear and relevant. When students understand how the content relates to their lives, careers, or goals, their engagement naturally increases.

 

Offering choices in assignments also supports motivation. When adult learners can select topics that resonate with their experiences, they’re more likely to take ownership of their learning.

 

These small design decisions can make a significant difference in whether students feel like they’re merely completing tasks or genuinely participating in a meaningful learning journey.

 

What are some ways you create a motivating first week in your online course? We invite you to share your experiences in our “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum.

 

Further Reading

For more strategies and practical guidance on online teaching and learning, explore our books:

 

·      Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work (2014) - Discover evidence-based practices to keep online learners engaged and committed throughout their learning journey.

·      Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success (2011) - Learn how to design, deliver, and manage online courses effectively, while maintaining work-life balance as an instructor.

·      Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners (2010) - Explore practical ways to foster connection, engagement, and support in online learning environments.

 

Do you have ideas, reflections, or questions? We invite you to share them in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum, moderated by Simone Conceição and Rosemary Lehman.