By understanding learner characteristics the instructor can provide more personalized support and feedback to the student. For example, if the instructor knows that the student is a single parent and has a lot of responsibilities and her work is frequently late, the instructor can encourage this student to successfully complete the class because of the motivating factor of making a better life for her family.
An understanding of learner characteristics helps in the instructional planning process by allowing the instructor to know both the opportunities and limitations of a specific class so as to plan and prepare lessons accordingly so that adaptations can be made appropriately and ultimately learning can be maximized.
By understanding learner characteristics a lesson can be prepared to truly reach and teach the student. If an instructor does not know what the student is dealing with when they arrive in class, the lesson content and method of delivery could easily bypass student needs. Understanding the learning style of a student could potentially reach an otherwise forgotten and lost student.
In consideration of differing learning styles, I work carefully to incorporate visual, auditory and kinesthetic modes of communication within lesson plans to reach all students. I have found that background and fears seem to come a bit more slowly as students need to first feel comfortable enough to begin to open up within the course.
If I know the learner characteristics, I can form teams or small groups based on these, either forming more homogenous groups, or usually more helpful and interesting, forming groups that include a diversity of characteristics. The end product is usually better if the group is diverse, rather than a click of close friends. It can help learners to develop other skills if they are in a homogenous group at times though. For example, if a group has all quiet people who tend to be followers, some will have to step up and take charge for the project to be completed.
I had this experience recently myself. I teach and at home am a parent, so I am "in charge" much of the time. I then went to class where I am a student and found myself feeling offended at being treated as a student (I think the teacher was reprimanding the class for talking out of turn).
I don't have a solution for this issue, but I remember reading about Beginner's Mind, and always maintaining the attitude of being a beginner, because there is always more to learn.
Hi Michael,
Some schools are using a multiple intelligence assessment called "Talent Key" to identify the three dominant intelligences through which individuals process information. Instructors receive these profiles prior to class so they can plan how they will "communicate" the content in relation to the intelligence areas. There have been great results in using this information. You might want to look at the website www.micubed.com for more information if interested.
Gary
Hi Dorian,
Good point. As instructors we need to keep on top of how our students are receiving our content. This way we can make sure we are sending clear messages about what we expect of our students.
Gary
Hi Steven,
In addition, knowing the characteristics of the students enables you to "read" student needs more effectively. This will allow you to customize the course for the students.
Gary
There is still time lost and some guessing involved as to student characteristics. I would like to see a tool that would give us some modest student profile before they enter the course. If we had enough to hit the ground running, I think there would be a major benefit.
Actually, I believe there is a need for scholarship in this area. I would like to see an academic journal devoted to instructional skills and planning in career education. I would like to see studies done on methodologies. For example, much that I read does not directly relate to the dense course content made denser with a 6 week course calendar.
I think it's one of the most important. If you can't communicate your thoughts or ideas to a student in a way that they can receive them then nothing will get accomplished. Everyone communicates a little differently. As an instructor you must be flexible enough to find the line of communication that works for the student.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for those comments about benefiting from knowing student characteristics. You are right on with your analysis of the how this knowledge can enhance your teaching.
Gary
Hi Tracy,
By having a clear profile of your students you can target your instruction more accurately. Through your statement it is clear you have a clear idea of how to use your students' characteristics to provide quality instruction.
Gary
Hi Michael,
Good question but hard to give a specific answer. The honing of skills as an instructor comes if an instructor strives to benefit from the experiences that come with teaching. Each class brings new students and new experiences which help to hone instructor skills.
Gary
Hi Rachel,
Good points about how to share the experiences of students with others and create a connection between them.
Gary
Understanding learner characteristics can help you plan the plan of the class, from the enviroment to the lenght , timimng and lessons designed to get the most out of your students
Dear Dr. Meers,
As a teacher, we should try to understand the students reasons for taking a particular course or subject matter, as well as knowing the academic level of each student so that we can plan our daily curriculum and presentations on an average grade of the entire class. Also knowing if each student student has any safety concerns, ego problems, security fears, or general health issues that may be a concern to their general educational or learning process. Once the teacher has a grasp of his/her classes learner characteristics or a lack of, the teacher has a greater hold on planning a lecture, demo, or inspirational presentation class that satisfies, enticies and enspires the learning abilities of all students and the entire class as a whole.
It will give me a better idea of what characteristics are involved in order to plan my lessons to insure success. For example, who to place in what group,what methods of retention should I use,and what time table expectation I should set.
In career education, I have taught classes that range in size from 6 to 36. The instructor's agility in understanding needs and fielding appropriate responses is taxed by larger class sizes in which I begin to notice the formation of needs-centers.
How do instructors hone their agility over time?
If an instructor understands the characteristics to look for in a learner and is able to discern those characteristics in a member of their class, they will be able to better know what things need to be done to improve that students learning experience. The instructor can use knowledge of the learner characteristics in the instructional planning process by tailoring the way the information is presented or the adjusting the structure of the class to encourage the optimal learning experience.
