I do the same thing with my classes. I know that the students come from different educational backgrounds and there is a wide range of ages. Some students are just out of high school while some are in their 50's coming back to school. I like to get an idea about their past educational history so I can help tailor my lessons to meet their needs
Raymond,
This is an important part of the instructional planning process. The more insight the more customized you can make your instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gina,
I have been using this method for years and I am always amazed at the diversity of life experiences that my students have had. Having this information enables me to customize my approach with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nieva,
Good strategy to personalize the course to the reasons why the students are enrolled. The stronger the connection you can make the more engaged the students will be and this will translate into success for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nieva,
Yes, they do and the reason is that you are making the course content come alive and have value to them. The more you can do this the better because the students will grow in their career development as a result of your efforts in making the course worth their time and effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really like the idea of having learners fill out cards on the first day of class. It gives the instructor the opportunity to spend time getting to know the culture of the class and plan accordingly to initiate discussions.
By giving the instructor insight into the possible learning needs of each student
Students like to apply-a hands-on on what they have learned. Example- do a presentation on how the topic in the lecture/ discussion will apply to their goals
It is important to understand that some students are excited and some have anxiety whether they will make it or not. It is important to remind that the students that if others can do it so will they.
Some of the students come to class with the thought that they have to do this (enrolling in class) for their children and for their families. They want a career for the sake of their love ones.
I use this to constantly remind the students of their reasons why they are in class
Nieva,
Starting a new class of students is always a lot of fun because it is exciting to learn about the diverse life experiences the students have had prior to entering the class. This information will help in the instructional planning process as well as you mention revealing what type of learners are in the class. Good way to start the learning effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nieva,
Learners like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. The more instructors can do this the more appealing the learning process will be to students. Your comments reflect this best practice that will enhance the knowledge acquisition of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Imparting information, knowledge has to be varied or presented in ways that would appeal to the students' learning style. It would mean tailoring the instructional plan to their learning style. This would really get the students involved in discussions and activities in the classroom.
This is a good idea--Thanks Angela
During the first day orientation, students introduce themselves to the class, I asked them to share about the classes they had before on what they liked and enjoy about the class and why. This reveals what type of learners they are.
Terry,
Good plan to follow as it gives you insight into how your new crop of students is going to react to your instructional planning and delivery. The more you know the more accurately you can target your instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Before classes begin in the new semster, I will contact their other instructors on campus and get some direct input concerning the learning ability of each student. This helps me prepare for the introduction of class material. Each class will have its' own dynamics and having an "idea" of the characteristics of the new students helps guide my initial presentation of material.
some students learn by doing reading hands on by mistakes and failure by successes
William,
This is a great form of pretesting your students. You are observing them in a setting where there is little or no pressure and they can work at their own pace. What you learn gives you insight in how to work with these students for the duration of the class. Thanks for sharing this idea with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have looked at a simular approach to understanding new students. Before they get immersed in the class with tools comming the beginning of week 2. I give new students hand tools and watch them disassemble light fitures and fans and reassemble them all by hand. I watch with great understanding by seeing how they approach there projects with out any real imput. This allows me to see there skill level, and how they think about what there doing in the present moment. I will tell them if there is a serious flaw but let them figure it out by them self. This also shows me there motivation, and there social interactions,and who are analytical thinkers. Later on in future labs i will know how to pair students up so that they will be better suited for the real world dynamics of working in the trades. William Murphy
Bettye,
Yes it will. Having this information enables you to customize your instructional delivery to and for that group of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
