When putting together my lesson plan for the class, I try to cover as many of the different learning styles as possible.(trying to incorporate many different aspects-lecture, hands-on, class discussion, etc)
The first day of class, i also ask my students how they retain information the easiest, so I can adjust my lesson plan if needed. More/les hands-on, more/less lecture, more/less class discussion, ect.
I think that understanding learner characteristics helps in instructional planning by me knowing that students do not all learn in the same way. Some students may learn better by reading or lecture while others learn better by demostrations and hands on activities. Understanding this helps me to plan different ways of conveying the information so students will have a better chance of learning the material.
Understanding my students' characteristics is basic to my planning. If I have some insight into special situations, it goes a long way in explaining individual needs and behaviors.
During the first meeting of each class, I ask students to provide background info, (voluntary and confidential), on where and when they attended high school, what their learning styles are, what their experience has been in our field of study, what their dream job would be, and anything they'd like me to know about them.
This gives me a great deal of insight on who I'll be teaching and how I may need to approach various aspects of my instruction. For example, If I have a whole group with lots of experience, I know I'll probably not need to spend a great deal of time on basics. Or if most students are hands-on learners, we'll be doing many projects.
I would have to agree with you. Every learner does not learn the same. My approach is that students learn three different ways, for the most part. They learn by visualization, audio, and/or writing. If I start with that concept then I can adjust to theirs needs when needed.
Understanding learner characteristics can set the stage and direction of the entire course. If an instructor assumes all students have the same learner characteristics, the class may not be as successful or address the needs of the particular class.
Learner characteristics does not change lesson content (for my classes in computer application program use). It does change lesson delivery, but those changes are made at the time of the lesson, and they depend on the individuals in the particular class. My class sizes are small (18 maximum), so the presence of several persons having the same learning characteristics (perhaps several very young students, or several very old students) will effectively bend the course presentation during an entire quarter toward that group. The majority of students in a computer class are able to respond to any reasonable presentation, and are not adversely affected by a course delivery that recognizes one or another type of student. This does become a problem if there is "one loner" on the opposite end of the characteristics scale from the "group". In which case the youngster has to grow up quicker, or the oldster has to "lighten up". Needless to say, the best of all worlds is if the class has no dominate "groups", in which case they all have to put up with their instructor's natural disposition.
Helps me to be flexable in my teaching style and planning
Understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process because if you know how a student learns it's easier to approach that learning style instead of introduction a new planning process.
I will attempt to vary assignement formats and quizes/exams to include multiple methods of evaluation so that if a student is fearful of, lets say, multiple choice questions there will be an opportunity for some written work and vice versa. It will enable students to be more comfortable in recognizing their ability to achieve.
I know in my classes I use may different methods to get an idea across to my students. Not all students learn the same way so I find using different methods helps so all students have a chance to learn what we are trying to teach.
I think just being aware of the mix of two distinctly different age groups helps. Most of my classes have both and understanding the differences there reminds me to structure items that appeal to the strenghts of both groups.
Understanding where your students are coming from is critical in student retention. If the student's goals and expectations are being met by the instructor, learning is most likely to occur. Along with learning, the student will most likely develop a relationship of trust with the instructor, which will make the instructional planning process smoother.
Understanding the student group certainly makes the teaching process and results more effective. If we spend some time as faculty working on identifying the learner characteristics, we can better plan our teaching methods and class structure in way that benefits the particular student group in a specific career field.
Understanding leaner's characteristics help in instructional planning process because you have identified potential factors that may cause stress or fears associated with the online environment. In addition, an instructor will be able to get a sense of where the student is coming from and can anticipate what kinds of help or support a student would need and be better prepared to address the concerns of a student. Finally, by knowing the characteristics of the learner, you can model your instruction around the type of learners you have in your class. You may have a variety of learners that prefer, auditory or visuals tools to help with comprehending the material. Knowing the learning styles assists the instructor to ensure that they are reaching out of all the styles of learning.
If I am unaware of the difference that my students have, I feel I am not able to adapt my lessons for their understanding. I think it is critical to know the learning characteristics of my students for their success. I want the students to feel I know and understand their differences. That I am aware of cultural, economical, and age diversification and the role that it plays in the learning process.
the two key issues to understand are their motivations and knowledge base. both provide a place to start.
Understanding learner characteristics is extremely important in planning the instructional process. For example, if I know most of my students are younger I look for more interactive tools to keep them interested. With older students, I know that the importance is typically with more meaningful lectures and question and answer sessions. I feel that both are valuable, but we are dealing with two entirely different generations and often I feel like I am stuck in the middle.
Hi Barton,
I commend you for using the previous experiences of your students as a foundation upon which you can build their educational platform. By showing you value their experiences you also are helping them to see self value in what they have done and will be doing. You are connecting the dots for them. Maybe the Don Henley song won't be seen as being true. Thanks for sharing.
Gary
Every student learns by connecting new ideas with what they already know, and they are motivated or inhibited by their own hopes and fears. So, to help them learn effectively, I need to discover some part of what they already know--the more, the better--and their hopes and fears. Then I can go to work.
With adult students, another "fear" that I try to manage is highlighted in a Don Henley song--the fear that their previous career has all been "wasted time." When I learn what they used to do, I use examples from that industry to provide a bridge into the business and law subjects I teach. And I ask students to correlate principles we are discussing in class with their own experiences. I think the students learn better in an environment that values their experience. It also ties nicely into constructivist educational theory, of which I'm a fan!
Understanding learner characteristics is a guide for the instructor in planning presentation of the class material so that the different needs and motivations of the students are accommodated as well as possible. I have the students fill out an information sheet on the first day of class covering their academic and employment background as it relates to the class; their goals and expectations for the course; their career objectives; their learning style; and any other comments or concerns they would like to express. This helps me know each student better and determine how to best present the material so it will be understood by each student.
