I find listening to them and being fully available to them helps. Individually reading their essays several times. I find that being available for conferencing by so stating on this first day. All learners, in some ways, are diverse learners in that they come to my class with a very diverse level of education in grammar and useage. Oh yes, I do return their written work on the next class session to try to monitor their continual progress in my class really helps.
The best way to learn the needs is by listening to them when they talk, look at their expressions when you speak, if they look lost or confused, see what you can do so they feel better. Also using different medias and sources, helps explain that what they are learning is important and is everywhere. Doing a preassessment can show you what a student knows, and then use that to shape the class.
Find out their background, education, and life interest. People are different all over the world, what might you mad don't bother another person. We are all different that's what make the world such a good place to be in.
By understanding their background and prior education, you can better understand what the students level of comprehension might be. Also by listening to the student and paying attention to the way they verbally express themselves, you can get a better understanding of their profficiency with the language.
I find they will be drawn to their strengths and shy away from their weak points. I try to praise them and suggest they spend more effort on what they would rather not do.
What are some ways you can learn about the needs of diverse learners? An instructor who is a good listener can assess if a student is having difficulty with the lesson, by paying attention to what the student is not saying as well as what is. This practice will allow the instructor to make changes to the lesson plan based on the student’s needs.
I think the strategy to have the students tell us what has worked for them in the past is a great idea. They know what works best so let's ask them & definitely help them in monitoring their progress.
Ryan
The student needs to be allowed to tell you what have help them in the past; they should be monitored and evaluated to show there progress.
Socializing with them helps to know them better and come up with a plan to help them understand the class. Also, listen to their concerns and worries.
