i think understanding the needs of the students is the most important angle of getting through to the students. offering up the same information in the three step process is what works best for me i ask them to read it, then i lecture on it, and when i lecture i give the information in book format then try to use some kind of analogy that might help them to relate to the career objective. ( the topic of the career school they have chosen)
I also agree with Joseph. Remembering a student's name is very important. All of us want to be known as the individuals we are, and not just a "you" as a part of a group. I also find that it is important for students to know I am available for them. I let them know that not only am I available to them while they are students in my class, but also once they've moved on to other classes, they may come to me for help and a "listening ear."
I also agree with Joseph. Remembering a student's name is very important. All of us want to be known as the individuals we are, and not just a "you" as a part of a group. I also find that it is important for students to know I am available for them. I let them know that not only am I available to them while they are students in my class, but also once they've moved on to other classes, they may come to me for help and a "listening ear."
I agree with Charlotte that many students need a course (in my case, English) because they have been out of the classroom for a number of years and just need to be reminded of the writing and grammar rules. Of course, others never learned the grammar rules, so now as adults they need to learn the rules. Many people seem to forget that the use of good English is important in everyday life and not just in the classroom.
Understanding learner characteristics is important because such knowledge will help teachers better know how to interact with their students. It is important to know "where a student is coming from" both literally and figuratively. We need to know what assumptions we can make about our students as well as those we cannot make.
Understanding learner characteristics helps the instructor know when and how to encourage and support the student to enable them to succeed. It helps the instructor plan out the lesson so that it may be beneficial to all the students.
If you know that your learners are more auditory, you'll be certain that your lectures are eloquent, well-planned, clear, concise. If you know that your learners are primarily visual and tactile, you'll still explain the processed well, but will focus more on examples, slides, demonstrations. You'll also engage them in the hands-on process.
Understanding the learning characteristics of our students can help us plan course delivery that capitalizes on these different characteristics to maximize student learning. It also helps us to take a step back and see where our students are coming from.
The understanding of learner characteristics will help in the instructional planning processes by giving the instructor a good base knowledge of the students background, which in turn will help the instructor care for the students needs accordingly. By understanding where a person is coming from, this gives the instructor a sense of empathy which can help him/her adjust accordingly to their planning process and develop and effective course action.
Hi Karl,
Good approach to getting students settled in and learning about each other. I like the pet idea because it does get them talking about something they know without any stress related to the course.
Gary
When the teacher is observant and sensitive to the students, the teacher is likely to become more aware of individual student situations that could play a role in their success or failure in the course. Some of these characteristics may be of a physical nature, or a learning disability of some type, a transportation problem or family issues. It can help the teacher immensley if they are aware so they can understand better what the student is going through; offering support, help along the way.
The first class period is spent getting to know each other and a general overview of the subject of Math in the culinary world. I share with the students my educational and experience credentials then I have each student introduce themselves. I ask each person to give their make, where they consider home, tell about their pets and then tell about their dreams of what they want to do when they finish school. This gives me an opportunity for connecting with the students and to explain how the Math course they are about to begin can be used in their future. The pet question allows them to answer a question that does not require technical knowledge and it also allows the other students to identify with the one talking. I then try to use their name when asking questions and presenting material. If possible I try to give examples of how the subject we are studying can be used in the culinary world.
ask students what they want to get out of the class and give as much one on one as possible to help them achieve their individual goals
To giving ways to help studennts get his goals.
Hi Landon,
The key point of your preparation is getting to know your learners. I commend you for this effort because it enables you to target your learners and plan your content accordingly.
Gary
For me understanding my audience/learners allows me to adjust/construct and tailor my interventions toward my learner needs while focusing that attention toward the course goals.
Knowing my learners and their individual situations allows me to better mix my use motivation techniques and behavior modifications so that the lesson pace matches the students ability.
Hi Joseph,
This is a key point in terms of bringing out the inner abilities of students. Reading them and then drawing out those abilities is an exciting part of the instructional process.
Gary
Andy,
I assign homework on the first day. I inform the students who are there they receive a certain percentage for homework and their attendance. When the students who are not there the first week show up in either week 2 or 3 they find out real fast they are already behind and it will probably take a tremendous effort to receive the "A" they want. I have found that in most of the Career Schools they do not make a big deal of it if the students do not show up the first day. I think it is totally wrong and have made it known at the two universities I teach at the students have to pay the price. It has worked for ten years.
not only are learner characteristics important, the career instructor must almost have a "sixth sense." Posess a unique ability to read the potential of the student learner and apply the edeucation gained by years of expertise in ones field. This can also strengthen the focus for the student learners passion and drive.
Hi Andy,
You have hit upon a very real problem. I get frustrated with students that do not attend since they consider the first day as a free ride. I have activities and ice breakers for which the students receive points. If students miss the first class meeting they are down a number of points and the class has just started. I do this to encourage those that are there and to send a message that I see the first class as being important. After a number of classes the "word" is out that I expect all students to be there and they are. I would suggest that the university send out emails to students before the class explaining the need for them to be there. I send a personal email to each enrolled student explaining the need for them to be there as well. This seems to work pretty well for me.
Gary
