Understanding the learner is what makes good teachers good. They understand the diversity of the students and can plan and ajust their instruction to meet the needs of the students.
It assists with understanding the students and where each of them are as individuals so that you can attempt to tailor the syllabus to fix all of your students needs/desires.
Understanding learner characteristics allows us to create lesson plans to facilitate learners for better achievment and or retainment of material.
Hi Lisa,
Yes, I do agree. It is fun to watch a master teacher work their "magic" with students because they know how to keep the interest of their students while offering relevant content.
Gary
An instructor can determine how a learner learns best and adapt material appropriately
Lola,
I share your distaste for the “one size fits all” mentality. In fact, in my opinion, that very mind-set is one of the most pervasive, choking issues permeating our public education system today. More to your point, I find that having students identify their learning preferred styles and investigate how to use those preferences to their advantage, especially when the instructor’s style does not match their preference. Have you ever had your students do this? If so, what were the outcomes?
As the module we just finished details, taking the time to understand the locale of students provides an insightful, necessary contextual framework through which the instructor/learner relationship can develop and thrive, positioning both parties in their most effective, successful positions. When this praxis opportunity is missed, the result is often a flat, linear, or nonexistent learning experience for all parties involved. The masterful, self-actualized instructor, however, wields this golden opportunity like a seasoned swordswoman, creating a holistic learning experience for both - - a win/win. Do you agree?
Developing an understanding of learner characteristics is essential in planning class projects, lectures, etc. It is important to consider various learning styles as well as "characteristics" of each student and implement a variety of activities and methods of delivery in order to enhance the potential for understanding.
Knowing the characteristics of the students in a particular course helps the instructor tailor instuction methods and even classroom examples to seem relevant to the students.
When planning your instruction you need to be aware of the different learning styles your class could have in order to prepare accordingly.Say you have more type 3 learners, you would need more "hands-on" materials where the type 2 learner would absord more from graphs or charts( more visual). All of this plays a big part when preparing for each new class.
Awareness of different learning characteristics empowers the instructor to better utilize and most appropriately apply the type and variety of tools at the instructor's disposal. One size does not fit all, and one style of instruction will not be appropriate to all learners. Learners of different ages will respond differently to how well informed they feel the instructor is about them, their goals and need to succeed.
Hi Karen,
Let me know how it works out for you.
Gary
Dr. Meers:
That's a great suggestion! I like that and will incorporate tonight!
Hi Karen,
I use "60 second" term papers. Where I have the students write down in one minute what they have learned during the lecture. It is short and the students like the process because they can put on paper something they have just learned. You can get a real feel for what they are learning by reading their papers.
I also us 3x5 cards and have give feedback on what they have learned as they leave class.
If you want additional information or if I can answer any other questions please let me know.
Gary
I feel that understanding/knowing students is a vital part of teaching. I always try to use diverse methods as people vary greatly.
Dr. Meers:
Have you found an approach that works?
Dr. Meers:
I agree with you. I try to lecture, use powerpoints and cartoon handouts to teach. Sometimes it's hard to know when the students have acquired the knowledge they need. You can ask the class for the answer and even though most of the students respond, you never quite know if they really understood the information or are just parroting the others.
Hi Karen,
You are right about not being able to customize instruction for each and every student. What we can do is to offer a variety of instructional deliveries so that the students can use their different learning preferences to acquire the course content. Also, by offering variety in instruction it helps to keep us, instructors focused and creative.
Gary
Hi Karen,
Good point about characteristics. As instructors we need to gather all the information we can so we know how to support and respond to students throughout the course.
Gary
Agreed Dr. Meers, but we can not change the instructional delivery for all students. But we can try to offer the best approach and tell the students to come to us if they do not understand the material.
