Meeting the needs of the different abilities with in a classrroom.
Students come into our classrooms with many different styles of learning and abilities. We,as Instructors must understand how to meet these needs.
I agree with Joel in the fact that it is so important to spend individual time with students who may need that extra dose of encouragement in order to get them to dig deeper into both the subject matter and how that subject matter may apply to them in their career path.
I teach Keyboarding and always have a difference in abilities. I find it works best to get all of the students working on their assignments and then go around and spend a few minutes with each student. Some need more help than others and I can provide further explanation on something at that time adapting my explanation to that student's understanding and needs. Students (especially addult-learners) are more willing to voice their frustrations and concerns if it is done on a one-on-one basis. Encouragement is also easier as it can be directly related to the student's individual ability.
Hi Robyn,
I agree with you. One of the courses I teach is a Foundation level mathematics course and this is where I see the largest spread of student ability and motivation.
As a foundation course, some students are there as a requirement and they do not really see it as being a part of thier actual degree development and they are being forced to take the class to check off a requirement.
I find that it is critical to work with these students early in the quarter and to help them identify the importance of the course and encourage the positive aspects of thier work. Most students who have a negative outlook on a course or topic are not confident in their ability to do well with the material. "Hating" it is a natural defense to ease their expected failure. As students see that they are able to do well with the topic they start to enjoy the process (it works most of the time :). I wish it worked 100% of the time :) ).
