As the videos suggested vary instructional methods in the course/class and as suggested by other post invite a guest lecturer (subject matter expert).
it helps to know so you know what to expect of the student
Frank,
Thank you for the comments and good discussion about how to target your instruction and bring value to the content for the different student segments. Understanding how the real world works and what the work expectations are will show the students why the content that is being taught will be used in the future.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The span of the age group in each class varies from class to class. I have found that with many of the 18 to 20 year olds, the focus for them after class is to do anything but study, and they attempt to share their activities the next day in the class. this group also tends to work together hoping one in the group will carry the others.
I have found that by talking to the individual students and inquiring about their high school experience that the majority of the students in this group were basically passed through and not held accountable for their performance.
In working with these students, I provide direction and suggestions on what they need to do as an individual to succeed in this chosen trade. Pointing out that when they are in the field and working alone, they will be accountable for their ability to perform the requirements of the job and meet the customers exceptions.
In lecture, I point out that attending and passing a trade school is one way to get an interview and a step towards getting a job. But once you have the job, keeping it is based on performance.
By understanding the activities the students engage in after school,sometimes helps me fill in topics in the lecture or general discussions we have in the classroom.
Sarah,
Good point. Having a baseline understanding of where the students are and what their learning preferences are enhances the ability to plan targeted instruction.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We will know how to help the student ajust the class. It let's us make sure that we are able to incorporate a couple different teaching styles so that all the students will get to learn from the class.
I believe that sharing can be effective even if you have to embellish a little, it makes the subject matter more real to you and the student.
Speaking the learner's language is the goal. Unfortunately not every learner speaks the same, or learns the same. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate. From there I can determine what works, what doesn't.
Every student learns differently and it is important to know each of their characteristics in order to incorporate it into the class. As a dental assisting instructor, a lot of the class work is hands on however there are also classed that do not have as much hands on, but I try to incorporate different learning styles when teaching.
All students are differentt. They learn in different ways and you have address them. Some respond to lecture and note taking well while others need a more hands on apporach. Some appreciate visula aides. The point is that your planning has to be varied so you cast a wider net and help ALL students learn
I agree. It is important to learn about your students' experiences. As I teach, I try to relate my lesson to something with which they are personally familiar(sports, TV, children,medical, etc.). The students can share experiences and become involved in their learning.
By understanding the learning characteristics of each student, the Instructor can tailor their teaching media to be not only effective for the students, but effecient as well. If there is a student in a particular class who does not comprehend as well without visual aids, the Instructor will know to include this in their presentation of the material. Yet, in a class of students where the same material can be learned without the need for a visual aid, there is more time to cover more material, go deeper into the same subject, or focus on a strategy that will help a student with a different special need to learn. Presentation of the material must be effective for all students, but if it is also effecient, this adds to the effectiveness.
i think understanding the learner characteristics helps me to plan out my discussions better because i can relate to them better if i know where each one is coming from....
Understanding your studnet helps determine what to say to them how to present it so they can understand. Understanding your student also helps you motivate them in learning and reensures that they made the right decission.
By observing and understanding the different styles of learning that your students may have, will help you in developing different teaching styles in order to best suit your students invidicually and as a whole.
Kathryn,
Games like this are such great ways to engage students and get them excited about learning content that may not be the most exciting in their lives. Having fun and learning are a great combination.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with that hands on activities really do help the students.
I try to make hands on games for dry material.
I will cut up terms and definitions and place them in envelopes. Than I split the class into teams. The teams need to put the "puzzle" pieces together.
I usually give a prize as motivation, like 5 points on a test or 1 erased absence from their grades.
Deanna,
Right you are about needing to understand adult learners and the kind of support they need at different times in a course. They bring many life experiences to the classroom but in doing so they also bring some challenges that can get in the way of their success if they don't have the right type of support.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
By understanding the adult learner characteristics you are better able to know when and where and how to give positive appraisals of their progress. It is also good to compliment good work on a particularly difficult assignment.
Ellen,
I use guest speakers a lot in my classes for the reasons you stated. They help my students to see the value of the content I am sharing with them. In addition, they are motivators because the students can see themselves in the same positions as the guest speakers if they put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
