different skill levels
How should a instructor maintain motivation in a classroom where students are at very different skill levels? For example, teaching a software program to several students who are very computer savvy. One student not so much, there is a lot of frustration.
I too teach in an environment were skill levels can vary greatly. As was mentioned, pairing stronger students who have already learned some skills with those who are not yet strong is a great way to help the new students learn while enforcing the skills of the more skilled students. I also like to allow the more skilled students to offer demonstration, this allows the newer students to see that these skills can be learned by someone who is not yet considered a proffesional (ie myself) while allowing the more advanced students a chance to work with their new skills under a bit of pressure as everyone watches them. As a further challenge we enroll students on a rolling schedule which will sometimes put them in an advanced lab situation before they get a chance to work in a basic lab situation. With administration approval we have developed assessments and practices that allow for these varying skill levels within our learning environment. By doing this we can allow all of our students no matter their skill level to be challenged and constantly honing and improving their knowledge.
Deborah
I teach a hands on lab for Surgical Technology. My students learn and perfect the skills at different times. Adults are hands on learners and working together after being given the material to master the skill I put them into partners a strong student and a not so strong student together, and I rotate the students so everyone gets a wide range of input on mastering the skill. If someone in the class has a way of doing the task that makes it easier for the student then we come together and let them show the new way. They seem to like the idea that they taught something new.
Hi Deborah,
If possible I would create learning groups where students work in groups of 2-3-4 on common situations or case studies. This way the group has a common goal and the different students levels can contribute based upon the situation. This also helps with peer sharing so everyone can benefit.
Gary
Use the opportunity to show a different perspective of the material. Review past information more current to the newer student and long in the past for the more advanced students. Past classes for advanced students our their foundations for their current classes and it gives you the opportunity to see if the students have learned and maintained previous courses or just memorized and moved on. This opportunity if done correctly can maximize their learning opportunities creating a more challenging and diverse group for discussions.
