Knowing the various styles of learning that each student has allows me to integrate various styles of teaching that all can relate to.
Jerry,
There is so much that could be discussed about overcoming dyscalculia. This learning disability presents itself as you know in so many different ways so it is a challenge for instructors to determine what the processing challenge is and then bring meaning to the students in terms of math. I wish you continued success in this area and hopefully future students with such a disability will get early counseling and be able to redirect themselves into a career area that does not require math at this level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thanks, Gary! It is really exceptional when students with learning disabilities are able to overcome their roadblocks and learn difficult material. It takes patience and perservance by both student and teacher.
That being said, I have now witnessed 4 students with math learning disabilities that were so severe they could not pass the class, even after 3 tries. This is very difficult to have to tell someone to find another career that will not require a lot of math.
We should end the day focused on our successes with plans to help remediate our failures.
Willie,
Good way to start off a new course. This lets you know why they are enrolled and it has then start thinking about why they are in the course as well. This type of reflection early on in the course helps students to see the value they are going to get from being in such a course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
LARRY,
This is an important part of "reading" a class of students so you will know how and where to provide support. This also helps with the development of rapport with them so they will be engaged for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that learner characteristics can help plan a class in many ways. If you know your students, you can better foster an ongoing sense of community and peer support among students, provide frequent feedback on their ideas and work, gather frequent feedback on their understanding and ability to apply new knowledge, use real-world examples and cases that are relevant to students' world, emphasize how each assignment will help them think/act like a business manager and encourage students to frequently reflect on how they learn and what type of learning activities work best for them. I teach a class on American Super Hero Fiction. The class is VERY popular with students, and it usually fills up quickly. One the first day, I ask students: Why are you here? Why did you sign up for this special topics course when there are other choices, some of which offer you more canonical texts? I get varying answers, and some never answer (because I think they think that I am looking for a specific answer). When I teach African American Literature or Intro to Ethnic Literature courses (or any specialty course), I always ask the same question. This helps me to know my students and to see if the course will meet their needs. :-)
Insight into age and cultural differences set up an understanding of students needs and abilities.By recognizing these characteristics enable an instructor to be more effective in delivering
content.
Ron,
Your last sentence is right on target in terms of the value of knowing characteristics of students. This way you can provide support while maintaining the standards of the course. To do less is to compromise the course and the training you are offering.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ron,
Well said and a good point that needs to be remembered while planning instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Well, being familiar with Learner Characteristics seems to be mostly about getting to know the challenges students may face upon entering the class, and how to make it easier for them to get past this. What I mean by this is that if you are aware of these things as an instructor, it will you remove many assumptions you may bring to the table about your students and how you create class content. It also places you in a position where you will be able to empathize so that you don't become unreasonably uncompromising, while still requiring a high degree of performance from the student.
Yeah, I agree. That is the thing that makes me most successful with my students. That is to take the time to make sure I know who they are.
Karen,
This is such a good point and one the students need to get a hold of and understand. It is their future that is at stake so they must assume responsibility and make that future happen. They cannot sit back and because they paid tuition expect to get an A, they must earn their grade. This is at times a difficult concept to get across to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Age diversity has always been part of my life. I was not a traditional 18 year old when I began college. I lacked confidence; saw all the young people flying through their assignment when it would take me longer. So, I have been there and I know the feeling. This is why I can relate to the adult learner, and can help them be successful in their college experience. I am not their babysitter, but their mentor.
you need to be able to get a read on your students to be able to fully communicate and teach them.
Erin,
This is why knowing about your students is so important. With this knowledge you can target your instructional delivery in a way that will keep them engaged and focused on the course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When you understand learner characteristics, you can properly assess what motivates your students as well as the best learning methods to use.
Understanding learner characteristics helps me when assigning students to groups. On the first day of class students introduce themselves including their work experiences and career goals. This information helps me identify the student who is coming into my class with some knowledge on the subject, and when I assign students to groups, I pair students with no prior experience relating to the subject being taught and the student with some experience.
Robert,
Right you are because we can plan our instructional approach around their learning preferences. The result will be enhanced learning and greater satisfaction by students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
oftentimes there's a lot of material to cover in a short amount of time. if you understand what will be effective for students, you can better use the time together.
When we know how the student learns we will be able to assist the student in ways we otherwise would not be able to.
