I can reach students better if I understand them and their goals.
I prefer to assure the students in the 1st week and let them choose their groups then I start to reform those groups after they get enough time to know each other.Anther thing is that adult students have a lot of problems like having children in early age and having a job or both beside being students,when I show them some sympathy,understanding and flexibility plus directing them to their points of strength that make them like the class and be very enthusiastic about the whole learning process.
Without understanding the different learning types, I am not sure how a good teacher could get a good grasp on how to teach effectively.
Instructorsd need to know the population they are teaching as there is a different approach to children versus adult learners. Knowing the characteristics of the learning population helps in planning.
Understanding Learner Characteristics helps with lesson plan preparation and delivery. For me, in particular, it helps when planning group activities because I can form the groups in a certain way. It also helps the instructor to know how to deal with students in different situations.
Hi Sarah,
Good point. Activities that involve hands on and sharing with each other help to integrate the students into the class and gain respect for each others contributions.
Gary
I agree that students need acknowledgement of their achievements along the way; it fosters better self-confidence. May adult learners enter the learning environment with low self-esteem. They question their ability to fit in or they are concerned about being able to comprehend information after having been away from school for an extended period of time.
I have found that in a class of young students I am able to move more quickly through the materials. With adult learners, more detail and supporting documents must be provided. With both classifications of learners, hands on learning is useful.
An understanding of learner characteristics is fundamental for any instructor involved in teaching diverse groups of people. Being aware of multiple intelligences and learning styles allows an instructor to prepare his instructional material so that he can deliver information in the most applicable and pertinant method.
When I do group assignments, each student chooses a different role which is more compatible to their innate way of learning...extrovertive students handle oral presentations, detail oriented or more creative students design visuals, and those with writing capability develop labels and text. Everyone contributes with their own capabilities.
Understanding learner characteristics helps in the instructional planning process by helping the instructor think about building a community that everyone feels comfortable participating in. Like many here, I like to play with group dynamics so that my students are exposed to different personalities and experiences. I also think that group work helps students see where they stand in relation to the other students, resulting in greater confidence about their own abilties.
I believe that understanding the learner charateristics helps the instructor plan appropriate learning activities in the classroom. If we can embrace understanding our students, then the class will be more pleasing and we will have better learning outcomes
Hi Nick,
I think it is a good way to learn more about the learning preferences of your students. The students know what has been successful for them in the past and are willing to share that with their instructors. This also helps them to develop respect for you as they see your interest in their success.
Gary
Hi Nick,
I agree. We need to be on the look out to see how we can use these various technologies to help our students achieve success.
Gary
Hi Al,
Thank you for sharing your background with us as it relates to how you approach the classroom. Your student centered approach is to be commended as well as how you blend the course content with your life experiences. This method sets your students up for success if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
In my class, the age of the students range from 18 years old to 52 years old. I use the age differents to help with the way life is, and how to handle it. The older students will make a statement to the younger students about how things are in the real world. This helps get the information across to the studentss, and that my age is 67, they look to me for guidence in the Criminal Justice field. I have been in this field for 45 years, 37 years teaching, being a Chief of Police, and been thru life of hard knocks. I can relate to the student about being in school, and working and raising a family, and trying to fit everything in a day.
Great point Dr. Meers, about the ability to learn with a network. I know a lot of students use twitter in responding to each other. Technology is increasing and students are using multiple resources to try to keep up with each other. I think that being open to social networks is a great way for students to stay in touch long after the course is complete.
Thanks,
Nick
That is an interesting perspective to the classroom by getting the groups to work together and the students know each other I bet that will make the process more efficient. As an economics instructor I am often concerned with efficiency in the course.
Dr. Gary Meers,
Hello, I think its important to set a baseline of learner characterisitics. I think you can do this through a few methods. I might give the class a survey in the beginning or ask questions for them to post in the introduction about their ability in the class and their progress up to this point in the course. What about asking the learners what methods they learn best from visual, hands on or through discussion?
Do you think this might be a good method in understanding the level of learners in your classroom?
Hi Tim,
Thank you for this insight. It is so important to know and understand where students are coming from. For military personnel life can be very challenging and you are offering them understanding and support. In return they are helping with the younger students that are in need of assistance. This is a great combination for everyone.
Gary
