Although I agree that speaking with the students is important, I believe that the characteristics of the learner are important too. Although we can try to adjust our teaching styles to the students needs, that may not help all. Depending upon the class subject, the characteristics are much more important, for example, with business law, they are learning a new language to some extent. Most of their experiences probably have little to do with law, or at least that is what they think. Their characteristics help determine which topics are more important.
Hi Karen,
This is very important for an instructor to do. He/she needs to "read" the students and then plan instructional delivery methods around their needs.
Gary
I think that the instructional planning process is influenced less by the characteristics of the students and more by thier learning style. As an instructor I will talk to each student seperatley and ask about their life which helps me see where they are coming from.
Understanding of learner characteristics help me to determine how to teach a specific class. Depending upon the students, I can re-evaluate my lesson plan and change according to the needs of the students
You can direct the class toward student situations to help them connect the content to their life.
This helps in structuring the learning enviroment. You can modify your lectures and demos to accomodate the many learner characteristics your students have. It can be a very valuable tool.
Each student learns diffently so teaching styles may change.
Hi Bruno,
How would you use this information in your planning? What would help you with selecting the delivery components?
Gary
undferstanding student leqarning caratheristics anables the instructor to plan course accordently
By understanding learning characteristics the instructor can plan his/her class with more knowledge of the students.
Understanding learning characteristics allows an instructor to plan his/her/ class accordingly.
Allows for varied methods to include all types of learners.
Students are motivated differently and the instructor must realize this when conveying material or doing demonstrations. For the younger student, the project reward is to look "good" to their friends as much as to be proud of their work. For the older student, the motivation may be to learn well in order to obtain the highest possible salary after graduation.
I know that understanding how a learner thinks and gains knowledge is crucial for success. With untraditional learner the situation is intensified.
It is very difficult to find that medium ground of supporting the student and being codependent with students and not motivating them enough to figure material out on their own
Understanding learner characteristics helps the instructor create and deliver effective plans and lessons. For instance, in a classroom that consists of differing age groups, the cognizant instructor will assign students of different ages to work together in small groups. This will foster cooperation, understanding, and an appreciation of the what each brings and can contribute to class.
