With everybody learning at a different pace you have to be prepaired knowing some students will need more help. This takes time away from other students. You will need something planed for the students that do not need the extra help.
It is important for the instructor to understand the learning characteristics of their students. The effective educator understands that learner needs will impact the goals of the instruction. Moreover, the effective educator will adapt the nature of their instruction based on the learner’s characteristics such as learning preferences, physical and mental capabilities, and learning styles (Learner Analysis: Identifying Learner Characteristics and Needs, n. d.).
Reference
Learner Analysis: Identifying Learner Characteristics and ... (n. d.). Retrieved from http://www.itma.vt.edu/modules/spring11/efund/lesson3/learneranalysis.pdf
Christopher,
This has been my experience as well. This way I can customize my instructional delivery to increase the engagement factor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i find that learning identifying all of the students needs and learning abilities right from the get go helps in steering the course in the direction it needs to go in for all to follow easily
Joselyn,
You make a very good point about the need for us to bring the human factor into our classrooms and labs. This is the main reason that many of us are teachers. We like to work with students and help them to move toward their career goals. So the more we can learn about them and provide support to their goals efforts the more rewarding teaching will be for us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Dr. Meers,
Understanding my students is integral to the course success. At times the students seem more interested in rapport and non-subject matter dialogue than the course content. It is possible that after a awhile of the material they are overextended and need a mental break. But often it seems like understanding the students through the personal dialogue helps the students understand that they are being listened to, and are able to feel as an important part of the course, which they are. Who the students are, as people is integral to how they are taught in certain classes.
I do not use cards the first day of class but I do set aside time for everyone to discuss their goals and brief chat about their experience,s
Andrea,
You have a very comprehensive and supportive approach to your method of starting a new course. This way each student can see how he or she will be able to contribute to the course as well build their self confidence as they gain in their knowledge base.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since I personally have interviewed students before they came into my previous program I would have a good sense of who they were and what they were bringing to the program even before the first class meeting. And since it was a very small program it enabled me to start off immediately personalizing the first session. I would have them introduce themselves and share they "why" and "how" they came to be at this program. In addition, since I was both a traditional student and an adult student in my own college history (then and now)I share my own experiences related to both. This helps them to build trust that I really undertsand the struggles related to college for both the young adult and those who have returned after many years.
I also make it a point to involve each person while not creating a "center stage" feeling for any student who appears uncomfortable or insecure. I provide them with opportunities to share at their pace by making sure there are times for individual, small group and large group work - even during the first week of the class. I also add a little humor!
Robert,
Not sure what you mean by this. Can you expand on your thinking in this area? Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
student are excited to be in an some have anxiety whether they will make it
Nicole,
This is such an important part of the educational planning process. The more we know about our students the more accurately we can target our instruction to meet their career goals. In addition it is rewarding to see the growth of students when you know they come from situations where they have overcome barriers in order to be successful students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The goal in education is to learn. As an instructor, knowing that I have taught students to do, think, and/or perform something new is truly rewarding! Understanding our learners’ characteristics is fundamental in the instructional planning process and necessary in order to modify curriculum to fit the needs of our students. To effectively accomplish this in the classroom, we need to first identify who our students are and what it is that they want to learn. Planning based on this information allows us to further define course learning objectives, as well as determine appropriate modes of communication, support systems and techniques to assess student learning outcomes.
Julie,
I believe we should use technology in all of the different forms when it enhances the learning process. Due to the different types of courses and content being offered technology use is all over the board in terms of application. The use of gaming in education is fine if it in fact contributes to the successful learning of students. The challenge is measuring this effectiveness so you can determine whether or not to continue using a form of technology. As you say everything is moving so fast it is very difficult to stay up with the possibilities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding today's learner is something I think we need to do more of. We catagorize learners into this or that based on generations that didn't have technology since birth. I'd like to learn more about these types of learners as they are quite different.
If we understood more about the characteristics of how the new learners process information, I think we'd discover how we teach may need to be adjusted a bit.
My point is quite simple, if more and more of the learners entering college are used to video games and asking their phone where to go or what to do,traditional instruction may need to be re-evaluated so that we are able to better-meet the needs of the digital-age learner.
I use the word "new" several times in this post, but the truth of the matter is that this type of learner is not "new". In fact, they are continuing to evolve at high rates of speed.
With that said, we can't develop assignments that meet their needs if we don't understand the characteristics of today's learner.
I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on gaming used for education-"edugaming".
Heather,
This is a great way to start a class off and get information from them. By you asking them to fill out the cards you are sending them a message that you care about them and their success. This is where the earning of their respect comes in and starts the development of rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Edwin,
This is a very important part of information to have. Yes, the two generations do approach courses differently so it is important to plan and interact with each generation in ways that appeal to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had my students fill out cards answering these questions on the first day. Most of the students had similar fears because the material for this course requires a lot of memorization and can be difficult to understand. I have been able to let them know that they are not alone in their fears, and reassure them that I am here to help them in their learning. I try to encourage them to work together with the other students at their table to help each other understand the material.
It will help you understand in which phase of learning the student is in. Someone right out of high school is going to learn differently than someone that has been in the workfoce for some years.
I think getting to know your students is key, and this can really help you assist them with any needs they have. Some adult learners are terrible test takers, so knowing this can assist with giving them advice on how to take tests, or even give them a different type of test...perhaps they do better in a short answer or essay format.
