Understanding Student Characteristics
How does an understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process?
From my experiences working in an online classroom, I create a positive environment through discussion forums for both the adult and young students. I ask questions of my students on how the concepts we are learning apply in their work experience and life in general. I share how I have used these both in a personal and professional setting to give them an example to discuss in the classroom. This breaks the ice and gives the student a chance to share their experiences as well.
Getting students to respond to these discussion questions allows me to see the level of each student in the learning process of the concepts so I can work with them in understanding where each student is. This can lead to further discussion and allow students to open up with specific questions regarding any of the assigned work in the classroom.
Does having an online course necessarily have challenges as far as age diversity? Do the students even realize that there is an age difference?
I think that the location of the school makes a big difference with regards to student characteristics. I teach the same class in two different locations. One is in a rich suburb, the other is in the slum of the city. I find the slum students much more lively and mouthy and the rich suburb students to do as I say and not to question me as much. I had the two groups meet once and it was a disaster!!! My theory is that school location has a lot to do with student characteristics.
Hi Mary,
I really like the way you approach the individual learning needs of your students, no matter their age or career goals. This is what being an educator is all about. Keep up the good work.
Gary
As a classroom instructor, I have students ranging in age from 18-55. The younger students are motivated by getting "the A" while the mature students are motivated by a change in career. They also want to prove to their families that "they can do it." I look at my students individually and answer their concerns about how they can achieve that A, but also how the subject is interesting and is fascinating to me and how I can get them excited about the subject as well. Learning should be FUN!
Hi Joe,
Great response in terms of outlining how a Q&A session can contribute so much to the learning process. This lets to students become more involved in the total educational experience.
Gary
