Yeah, but i feel that in career college, where learning happens at an accelerated rated, it might be really difficult to zero in on understanding all of the different learner characteristics. i do understand the importance, so its worth looking into
I agree with this Jamila, and I try to apply this to my work enviornment. As a clinical instructor, I often have 8 or 9 students with several differnt mechanisms of learning. It is challenging and exciting to think of creative ways to assess students learning, AND then to implement what I've learned from these assesments. It is intersting also to note that some students need a combination of learning styles to incorporate knowledge.
The instructor needs to know how the students learner best in order to best plan the class sessions and how to best present the material within each course session.
The instructor needs to understand the differences dealing with age diverstity, disabilities, cultural diversity, and even student fears; as well as thier motivation.
Hi Robbi,
Good point about learning self-confidence. When students feel they can be successful they are much more willing to work at being successful. A simple idea but one that has to be planted strongly in the minds of the students.
Gary
An understanding of learner characteristics helps in the instructional planning process by building students' self-confidence and feelings of success because they feel you listen to their needs.
Hi Joan,
Like the way you lay out the learning journey. It is a trek and the students need to understand that. Sometimes they want it to be time travel where they can jet to the future where they have all of the knowledge and skills they need. Our job is to introduce reality in learning so they will keep on the learning trek while gaining the expertise they need to be successful
Gary
Understanding learner characteristics plays a very important part in planning. Field trips and other excursions outside the classroom can become much more difficult if someone has a handicap. Not all handicaps are physical disabilities either. Some are social. My sister taught in a very rural school back in the "holler." She planned a trip for her class to see a play (cultural event) and to have a free meal in a nice restaurant. Both of these events were donated to the school because of the social conditions of the area in which the school was located. As she loaded her class onto the bus,some students began to cry because they were so afraid to leave home base. Granted, these were younger children, but the concept is the same. We are asking the learners to step away from home base (the comfort zone) and to travel into unchartered waters. They have to be able to count on the instructor to lead them safely through the dangerous trek. I have found that by requiring different types of assignments with different levels of difficulty, most students have found some success with the work.
By, Edwardo Mojena
As students and people in general we all have different learning characteristics and the more we learn them the better as a Professor and student we can become.
It helps know your audience's motivation and learning styles. Without changing the objectives of the course, an instructor can customize their delivery method.
It helps me in many ways. Knowing their precieved weaknesses helps me netter able to know why a particular student is having problems with a subject I am teaching
Knowing why students are taking a class and what they hope to accomplish with it will allow me an opportunity to address their particular concerns. Some students are taking a class because it is a required course for their curriculum but do not see the relevance. Knowing this, I can demonstrate how this knowledge will help them and how to apply it.
Hi Nastassia,
Good points because knowing student characteristics is so important. The more you know the more you can target and customize your instruction. Good advice for all instructor.
Gary
Understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process by allowing the instructor to know the characterstics of the students, in which makes the process of teaching and learning easier. By being familiar with the characteristics allows the instructor to adapt as well as well as to structure the class accordingly. There are many characterstics in an individaul which plays an important role when accomodating the students and their learning.
Through assisting in development of stronger teaching styles for all types of students and learners
Jamila, in support of what you have expressed, the online learner for the most part is self directed. Therefore, offering a variety of learning material/media and supplements should enhance the learner's ability to process the subject matter.
Understanding learner characteristics, career goals, and frustrations helps an instructor retain students. An instructor needs to help students work through career goal components (informed decisions, realistic aspirations, and meaningful outcomes) as they progress through a course. In addition, understanding student frustrations related to their own abilities is also important to student retention. A good strategy for dealing with student frustrations involves maintaining a professional position, being a good listener, and avoiding complaining with them.
Hi Don,
You make a good point about reshaping your delivery based upon what you know about your students. The good news is that after you have done this a time or two the process gets easier and quicker so you are able to zero in on the students' learning needs much more efficiently.
Gary
Hi Robb,
Your point is a good one about understanding adult learners. By knowing why they are there you can shape your instructional delivery to meet their needs. You can also customize your teaching that will enable them to use their life experiences in the class which help to build confidence in their ability to be successful in the course.
Gary
Sometime during the first week of class we do an inservice on learning styles. We try to hit on each of those styles during the class. We use powerpoint, looking at the books, having the students make notecards and hands on. I also try and find out why the students decided to pick our school and career field and what kind of support they have at home. The support they have makes a big difference on their success in the program.
Part of instruction is the analysis of your audience. Therefore, you can select the correct instructional strategy
