I make a point of having a discussion about learning characteristics when we do our initial introductions so that the students will acknowledge their own strengths as well as identify which of their peers 'speak the same language', and where they may need to consciously be aware of someone else's different perspective. As we move forward I make a point of offering my presentations in a way that will incorporate the primary receptive channels that were identified earlier. We actually get through the material more quickly when I can keep everyone comprehending the discussion and involved because they feel that it is relevant.
Rich,
Good way to get a graphic picture of the different learning styles that are represented in your course. This strategy helps the students to have more understanding of themselves as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students learn by a variety of methods, so knowing which methods help the student learn and providing many methods helps with learning and interest in the subject matter. We use models, pictures, verbalization and demonstrations, and more in the clinic to educate.
Knowing a students learning style plays a large part in helping a student gain success. Most of my students learn best by hands on learning which allows me to tailor my course in such a way that allows for maximum lab time.
Understanding learning characteristics allows us to identify the different students and to deal with different age and different culture...so i have student 19 years old till 63 years old.
Knowing the learning style makes a huge diffrence in helping a tudent succeed. knowing if he is hands on guy or an auditory learner allows me to tailor my instruction for his particular learning style.
During the orientation portion of our training we let the students work through the information covering different learning styles and color code those styles so that as they progress through the program both the instructor and the student stay in touch with their learning style. This has proven to be a successful tool especially for self study work.
Students learn differently and presenting material in different ways allows the teacher to present the material to more learning styles and also allows for a review of the material. This gives the students a chance to see the material in a variety of formats. It also slows down the pace in presenting material. This is helpful for hard to understand material.
All students learn differently. By understanding our students it helps us make the material more meaningful and enhances the educational process.
Patricia,
You make an interesting observation about the LaLa Land students. I have experienced them many times over the years. One thing I know after many years of teaching is that I am continually amazed at human beings and their behavior.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is my first experience in teaching and I find it intriguing how some students seem to be in LaLa Land, giving the impression that they are lost, not paying attention or they just don't care. But when it comes to testing they score amazingly well. It helps to get to know your students so you can recognize who needs help and who doesn't.
Alicia,
The more you know about them the more information you have from which to do your instructional planning. How do you get information about your students as you start a new course?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you understand your student then I think it is easier to teach them. There are different types of learners so therefore everyone learns at different paces
Rassiel,
This is why instructors need to get to know their students and then deliver instruction in a number of different ways so the students can use their different learning preferences to acquire the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Beacause there are many ways that people learn, and there are many needs that people may have. The learning needs of people are influenced by their other characteristics.
Gonzalo,
Good planning on your part in terms of how to reach the different age groups of students in your class. Also, by delivering content in different venues you are appealing to the different learning preferences that your students have.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is imperative to understand the different learning methods our students relate more to and how to identify them. I usually assess my students learning methods thorugh discussions and questioning after conducting lecture and presenting audiovisual materials. Older students
prefer to see my demonstrations rather than visualizing the process while younger students prefer to see the material on a screen rather than the demonstration
to have a better understanding of the process. I try to combine different teaching strategies during my classes to ensure I am meeting my student's learning objectives.
Sarah,
Yes it does. In addition knowing their characteristics the you can provide support as needed throughout the course because you understand them better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. And not only does it keep the students engaged by it keeps the instructor excited to share information using different types of media.
Barbara,
It really does because you can target your instructional delivery more accurately by having this information.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
