it helps the instructor plan different methods to use in class to make sure that all students are getting the most out of the course.
How a student learns is a key issue in the planning process. It is important that the material is addressed in such a way as to incorporate the learning styles and characteristics of each student to maximize their success.
Understanding learners’ characteristics strengthens my ability of promoting an interactive environment during the class. Specifically, my experience has taught me that learners’ tend to be more receptive and willing to share his/her thoughts when there was a connection made with the material. For example, teaching the concept is still considered intangible when it is only viewed from the book’s examples however, when I engage the class and say now let us view this from a real world application perspective, the class perks up and become more engaged about sharing their views. This interaction is greater when I can reach out to a student and ask them to share his/her experience about the particular topic. Overall, understanding learners’ characteristics enhances the overall learning experience and achieves the goal of sharing knowledge in an effective way.
Some students do well with verbal instruction, but most, at our level benefit from visual examples that can be passed around
I use visual aids (powerpoint, text illustrations, my own stick drawings)while I lecture to engage both visual & auditory learners. In clinical, students actually do, but only after demonstration/videotape. The followup tactile lab activity really cements it for most of them. I include the seeing, hearing, doing elements in each daily session.
In some of my classes, I have had the students fill out creative forms to tell me about themselves. In addition, the first class period is usually spent in introductions and getting to know each other verbally. I have found though that as an Advisor and Instructor, I have access to more information that helps me out a lot more in the classroom in dealing with some of the situations the students will bring in to the classroom.
It is important to tailor certain messages to specific students and general course content to the whole student body. Certain students need specific individual attention.
By asking students to describe something, or just listening carefully to their conversations with you or others, it is not difficult to determine each student's primary learning mode; visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (tactile). Then you have better information about how to present the contents of a course in a way the students will be better able to understand and retain.
Understanding learner's characteristics helps me to plan ahead in how I want to get the lessons across to students. For example, knowing that they will best learn from combining both verbal description of a technique or concept, with a "hands-on" lab where they can practice what they've read and heard, helps me plan the classes.
When an instructor understands the varying learner characteristics he/she will be better able to help the student learn and assimilate the class material.
Knowing the students allows an instructor to tailor instruction to them.
Using a variety of teaching methods makes class more interesting and facilitates lerning for all types.
I also use the same approach, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I once had a student that told me she would not share any information and there was no reason I needed to know. I explained it was for me to understand how to structure the learning plan for the class and she still refused to discuss anything. I let it drop and as the classes progressed I knew she would be a difficult student and she was. I would like to know how to handle others handle the difficult responses.
I have found that is takes a couple of classes before I fully understand the best method to present the class. The students in our classes are from 17 to 50 years old and they all bring different experience to the class and they all learn differently so I have to find the best way to engage all of them.
I like to think of all the different ways we all learn. In the online environment, you can offer students visual, audio, and other projects that help each of them learn the material in their own way.
Understanding the learners characteristics help the instructional planning by allowing the teacher to structure the class around the learners needs. During orientation in my first class I ask all of the students why they are there, what do they intend on doing with their degree and also what have they been exposed to as far as the subject being taught. Non-traditional students are more likely to ask questions until they completely understand the concepts you are teaching. Traditional students are much harder to read they are passive and you need to pay attention to make sure they are understanding the concepts you are teaching. Non-traditinal students are in class because they are etihter out of work and need to reenter the workforce in a new field or they are in a job and want to be advance themselves. They are motivated to achieve their goals.
I actually have a "getting to know you exercise" and a sharing experience afterword. Some students are reluctant at first but I allow them to touch on personal topics of their choice that are not too heavy. By seeing what they choose, I get insight into them as learners.
I find that if you learn to present information through the four major areas Dr. Meers suggested, you will be more successful. It is important for me to create not just learning opportunities covering these areas but also to create creative assessments beyond just tests/quizzes that cover these areas as well.
You make an excellent observation. Beginning teachers have so much to deal with from learning the school's policies and practices related to school rules, grading policies,to lesson planning, new textbooks, creating tests, quizzes, projects, etc., etc. What is most important is to build upon each experience. Becoming master teacher is a work in progress.
Be patient with yourself - as long as you are focused on continual improvement and helping your student, you will acquire those teaching skills and knowledge regardng the learning environment.
You make an excellent observation. Beginning teachers have so much to deal with from learning the school's policies and practices related to school rules, grading policies,to lesson planning, new textbooks, creating tests, quizzes, projects, etc., etc. What is most important is to build upon each experience. Becoming master teacher is a work in progress.
Be patient with yourself - as long as you are focused on continual improvement and helping your student, you will acquire those teaching skills and knowledge regardng the learning environment.
