Getting the student to consider how ready helps them focus on which skills they have, their knowledge, and how their attitude can help develop goals. Also, a self-assessment gives the new student or students some control and build a plan so when they are feeling overwhelmed by the outline of an online classroom. They can see what one online course looks like and see if they if can get past their fears and push through the course.
I get the sense that many of the issues and skills aren't actually things the students would think about unless they were brought to their attention. The benefit of having the students do their own assessment is that it gives them an opportunity to face what may be hard truths.
Do I procrastinate? What traits do I have that may impede my success? Am I doing the best that I can to work with what I've got, and where can I improve?
It is important for students to complete a self-analysis because it allows students to understand what is needed to complete an online course. It allows them to look at their schedule and understand how to fit school into their lives. Time management is one of the most important factors needed in order to succeed in the online classroom.
I believe that it is crucial for students to understand their strengths and identify any weaknesses. By having a better understanding of each, students can become more empowered to address gaps in their abilities. Oftentimes, identifying the areas of deficiency allows the student to seek appropriate assistance. A self-analysis also gives students confidence in their choices and creates an opportunity for the student to create realistic goals.
Hello Tanya,
I totally agree that students have to be self-motivated. I also encourage the students to make learning fun. Studies show if the student finds interest in what is being studied they are more often than none to retain it.
It is important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory; this will provide you with the necessary feedback to teach the class.
Self-Analysis Inventory, in my opinion, if accomplished correctly should identify unique traits in each and every student in the class. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, as a Learner, can help you to improve upon some of the learning techniques that are not consider strengths, thus making the student a more effective Learner, overall.
As an instructor, it is important to use the Self-Analysis Inventory, obtained from the students, to improve communication with the student, and understand what level of feedback you can utilize. When a student has feels that they can ask questions of their instructor at any time, a comfort level is established that will ensure that the student is on their way to success.
Cheers
Dr. E. Somnarain
There is often a diverse mix of students in a given class. To the extent possible, we want to individuate the instructional materials and approaches, to insure that each online student can maximize his/her potential in the subject matter. Knowing the student's strengths and weaknesses, through an inventory, helps the student and the instuctor plan instructional and learning strategies that will be appropriate to the needs of the unit. In addition, such a self-inventory, when including topical content, can act as an advance organizer for the student.
As mentioned in this class, asking oline students to compete a self-analysis inventory is important for the following reasons:
"Do I procrastinate? I find this especially important since online students need to be aware of this and make adjustments in their schedules to be able to complete assignments and tests in a timely fashion. Another reason is asking "Am I self motivated?" Self motivation is important for anyone to be successful. Being in an online classroom doesn't allow for face to face interations in which Instructors can see the body language of students. One way I can tell if a student is not motivated is in the quality of their work and participation in Discussions. Their reponses are often too short and do not give much detail on the topic. With a self analyis students can become aware of their weaknesses and work to improve on them.
Marie Moran
It's important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory to gain a better understanding of the student’s educational background and learning experiences.
At the school where I teach, we have students post their bios in the Discussion Board forum. Reading each students bio helps me gain a better understanding of each student’s needs and expectations.
I teach Accounting, and I often get students who are not comfortable with numbers and have to take my course as a prerequisite.
I couldn't agree more! So many students lack motivation. It is often difficult to keep students motivated in a face-to-face learning environment, but to do so in an online environment is even more challenging. The self-analysis and making them aware of their need to self-motivate or ask for help is a key to their success.
Asking online students to complete a self-analysis inventory is crucial to their success as an online learner. As an online instructor (with little or no face-to-face interaction), it is a difficult task to assist students in achieving mastery of a subject if they do not have an understanding of the technology used in the course or the effort and time the course will take.
I am currently teaching an online course to a group of high school students, and, while technology is not an issue for them, time management is a key issue. The students were under the false assumption that the online course would be easier than the "face-to-face" courses they are taking. Instead, they are finding them to be more difficult and time consuming than the other courses.
Though I tried to prepare them for the reality of time management, I believe an actual written or electronic self-analysis completed prior to orientation or during orientation would have been beneficial.
Hello Learners,
It is important to have a focus and be willing to support online learners. As the learner begins to understand themselves they are more confident within their studies. Also, as an online instructor you are able to view the abilities of each student and accommodate the lessons to support each learning style.
It is important because after the self-analysis inventory, the student will know their strengths and weaknesses. Once this is known we are able to help the students improve on their weaknesses.
The student may be doomed to fail from the beginning if you are unable to determine the strengths and weakness in the beginning. Personally as an average student in the 70-80’s Instructors did not give much consideration to anything but what they were driven to do. No one ,... and I do mean no one gave me too much encouragement... They did not care if I turned my work in, if I passed a test... if I came to class...
Our school is determined to give our students every opportunity and every advantage.... if they fail to accept or act on this... not sure there is much we can do.... If you cannot cut and paste, name a file, or upload a file.... you will struggle with the online environment.
Hi,
I really agree here....so many of my online students think an online class is "easier" than an onground class. What they sometimes fail to realize is that it requires much more time, more organizational skills, and more self-motivation. Allowing them the opportunity to reflect on where there are can serve as a great way to prepare them by letting them know what is really expected for success.
Tanya,
Yes! self direction and self motivation go hand in hand in an online environment. Great answer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
You are right online learning isn't for everyone. With that said, students can "grow" into online learning if they can recognize their weaknesses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Clovis,
You are right. Students don't know what they don't know! We have to make them aware.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Detra,
You are right. That snapshot can be very valuable in predicting pitfalls of students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
