Understanding learner characteristics...
Understanding learner characteristics can be a great tool. For example at my school we mainly teach adults that have already been in the work force and have extensive work backgrounds. Understanding there fears can help me to esablish a better starting sequence in my courses aimed at giving them some confidence that they can succeed in there studies and need not fear the outcome of failure.
Jorge,
Good point and an essential part of the instructional planning process. With this information you are able to customize your instruction in a way that enables each student to be an effective learner if that individual will put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary,
The more you know the learner characteristics of your audience the better you can prepare the material to be presented. We must keep in mind that it is imperative for the adult learner to retain the knowledge but also to feel the sense of accomplishment as the course evolves.
Jorge
Uwe,
It sure does. You then can help them connect your course content with their career goals. This increase the ROI for them being in school.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I also want to know what they plan to do after graduating...it has a large impact on their learning and sense of urgency
James,
Good advice for instructors to remember. Each class has an unique personality and we have adjust our instruction to support that personality. I have two sections of a class that are completely different so I teach each of the differently. The good news is that I don't get bored because even though they are the same course the instructional changes help me to stay excited about teaching them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Understanding learner characteristics is very important in the planning process because it allows the instructor to strategically arrange the class in such a method that is effective for the specific types of students. The challenge is the learning characteristic target seems to change from term to term requiring a change of approach, and continual adaptation. Having a well-balanced integration of learning characteristic techniques is very useful towards reaching today's array of student learners.
to be effective you have to know your audience and what type of diverse learning styles you are facing.
It's hard to change or switch your lesson plans or outlines after you get to know your students and their learning styles. My curriculum is not written for me. I simply change my teaching style to fit the style of my many different students but still manage to cover the material.
Hi Shay,
Your last sentence is the core of what educators are about. We are helping them to move along their educational journey and so we must strive to work our hardest to make sure we are well prepared, current in content and competent in delivery if we are to be able to guide them appropriately.
Gary
I feel that understanding my students means to know who they are. What makes each one tick. I want to hear about their families and friends. I want to know why they are in my classes. I feel that taking the extra step to get to know my students can help me in the long run. I understand better what direction to take the class. I know who might have a real life experience to share with the class. Most of all I feel that it helps with the trust factor. I feel my students trust me to help guide them through their educational journey.
Understanding the students needs are important in developing a personal teaching style, and allows an instructor to create a comfortable/conductive learning environment.
Helping students to know clear and concise expectations and how to manage their time so they may meet the expectations in a timely manner. It has always helped me to know what the students expect of me as well.
Hi Kim,
I commend you for our outreach in terms of getting to know the learning preferences of your students even when teaching online. This effort is very important to the students as well as helping with increasing engagement and focus for their learning.
Gary
Dr. Meers:
An understanding of learner characteristics is imperative in the instructional planning process, especially in an Online setting.
Since I teach Online we will have students with various learner characteristics including visual, auditory, and learners that are in need of more assistance than others.
I ask each student to provide me with their background in "Welcome" discussion question that assists me in knowing what extra information I may need to find to assist various learning characteristics, including adding audio and visual content for those learners that need the extra assistance.
Kim Houck
Hi Jim,
Well said. Knowing about the learner makes planning and delivery of instruction much easier. The instructor knows the kinds of students that are in the class and the learning needs they have.
Gary
If one does not know about the learner, how can an instructor relate the information in a way that will engage that person on "his terms". Knowing what motivates, excites, and interests a learner is the key to openening the doors for the knowledge to poor in and be kept. If there is a disconnect betweeen the trainer and tranee, little knowledge will be passed and little will be retained by the learner.
You need to understand how a student learns in order to address their learning needs. Each student has a preferred learning style. The style can be auditory, kinesthetic or visual. Lessons must be prepared to match each student’s learning style. Knowledge of the learners’ characteristics is essential in designing lesson plans.
Hi John,
I rotate my student groups as well because we don't get to select our co-workers. I want them to work with different students throughout the course. I remind them that we have to learn how to cooperate and tolerate each other or we have to separate ourselves from that work site. This is what work success is all about.
Gary
All learners respond differently to instruction. Based on several factors, learners have individual needs. As an instructor, it is important to know how to reach an individual based on age, life stage, life experience, past experiences and maturity just to name a few.
