Understanding Learner Characteristics
How does an understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process?
@gmeers :If you understand and remind yourself before each class what types of learners you are instructing you can mold your teaching style to better suit them. Sometimes it is a little bit of a challenge to figure out each individual learning style as not all are aware what is the way in which they best learn.
I agree with your statement in relation to understanding the adult learners and their specific characteristics. First days are an excellent time to aid students in breaking down barriers, understanding class formats and instructor styles.
Because we are experienced based as humans, it is important to get to tell the tales of our past and relate it to our futures. These sort of exercises build the class morale, help the instructor identify the type of learners present in the class and a true understanding of how the class dynamic will encourage learning.
Thanks so much for your insight Nieva Alix.
I put a survey about their career goal and their experiences at the first day of class. Also, I ask their learning styles. Since I am teaching computer classes, it really helps to planning different types of lectures.
You realize how to approach their learning experience
It helps the instructor have an idea of where each one of the students are in that particular area of study
By having an understanding of learning characteristics, the instructor includes a variety of different methods into the instructional planning process to benefit all of the different students.
Knowing your students helps an instructor plan a course direction in guiding them to successful path. The difficult part is creating a plan that is geared for individuals but also inclusive for the whole class.
This is a great Idea! I usually remember one or two students who stand out but this would allow me to better present information to all students in my class
Understanding learner characteristics allows me to make sure the classroom experience for the students gel. Each class brings new experience for me to engage students of following class.
An understanding of the characteristics, styles and types of learners will be able to provide an educator basis for planning the appropriate differentiated or varied teaching strategies to be able to have a meaningful and successful teaching and learning process.
I like to have each student state why the enrolled in class. It works great to remind them of the importance of why they are there.
Michelle,
I think you will like the results you get from using a survey at the beginning of the course. They yield a lot of information that gives you insight as to how best provide support and reinforcement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Every class I have taught so far has had huge mixture of student ages and educational backgrounds. Until I actually became an instructor, I never realized the importance of the different methods of teaching. You notice that some students do better with visual demonstrations on the board than others, some enjoy lecture over the book, and there are even some that would just rather go straight to the book and learn everything instead of coming to class. I have been continually updating my lectures based on my observations of the class I currently have on hand. I never really thought of taking a survey at the beginning of class. I might jus try this. Thank you Michelle.
Students learn a variety of different ways. I enjoy adapting to their different learning styles,and learning the different personality's of the classroom.
Dwayne,
What are some ways that you do this with your students? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding your students learning characteristics would be key in developing methods for bettering your students ability to learn what you are teaching.
helps you relate with your students.
Getting to know each other and share some experiences will allow individuals to feel comfortable and let them learn to work with each other during the learning process.
Gary,
This has been my experience. I try to get to know what their backgrounds and skills are early in the class so I can pull on those experiences at different times throughout the course. The students really like it when they get to relate an experience or share a skill with the class. Makes them feel they are bringing value to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
