understand the characteristics of student learning is important, who is visually identify who is practical, who need more time, among other things and draw strategies for the class this way.
when i understand the students learning style, it helps me explain things in a simpler or a different way then i already have. engaging in a question answer discussion helps me to figure out how to proceed.
Liset,
Application and relevancy are two very important words to use when doing instructional planning. Through guest speakers, demonstrations and case studies both words are being defined for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We have to observe the students and try to create a class that fits for everybody , adults learnes for example they like to see real demonstrations and also they like guest speakers with sucess , because they have experience in the world field .
The understanding of learner characteristics helps in the instructional planning process by chosing right examples, problems and other teaching tools. By the word "right" I mean such examples or problems that will fit my students' interests, their learning preferences, and needs.
Hi! Doug Allen here.
To answer your question, I find that having an understanding of learner characteristics provides me insight into the mix of students that I have in my classroom. If I have a clearer understanding of age, maturity, motivation, and academic ability, I can more easily tweak my presentations to meet the needs/abilities of the class. I often set aside time for inddependent study. During that time I can devote my attention more readily to studnets that need my healp and let the others "run". By doing thisI can often head off any problems that may arise due to abiloity, understanding or frustration before they can escalate.
It will help assigning time to each section that to be taught.
Understanding who your students are, allows you to adapt your educational methods to their needs.
It helps you to understand the student and asist them in their understanding needs.
Michelle,
I like to have such insight into the thinking of my students as well. The reasons you stated are dead on in terms of information that can be used to help customize the instruction you are offering your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Understanding learner characteristics is very important to the instructional planning process. For me, one of the first things I do in class is have each student write a brief essay on their career goals, why they chose the field, what support systems do they have, do they foresee any obsticals, any important information that they would like for me to know, etc. From these essays, I have a greater understanding of how to provide support, craft my lesson material, as well as to provide motivation and encouragement appropriately. Having a greater understanding of my students, allows me insight in to what will keep them motivated throughout their college career.
Well said and a concept that can be repeated.
It gives you a platform to take the correct path of the student for there success.
You have so many different learning styles in the classroom today that you have to make sure that you reach everyone of them or you will lose a lot of them in the very beginning. You need to try different things to get and keep their attention.
One of the classes I teach is Medical Orientation for the new students and I lose them fast if I don't get them involved at the start. We do role play, I let them help teach the class, and I get them involved in the class as if it was their class. I find this helps them stay motivated and they seem to want to learn better.
An understanding of learner characteristics is so important to ensure that each student is successful in the learning process. I found it interesting that the hospital where my kids were born specifically asked what type of learner I was to ensure that the staff conveyed the medical information to me properly.
Nancy,
You should make an immediate referral to the Student Services office or Career Services, whatever you have in your college. This is unfair to the student, you and your field. They should be able to help her find a career area that she will like and can have success within. To continue her with little or no hope of passing the entrance exams is wrong on many levels.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hello everyone,
Understanding the learning characteristics of your students is very important, as with any student if you know their strengths then you are likely to work on their weaknesses while incorporating activities that highlight strengths as well for encouragement. In an online setting, sometimes it is hard to assess the learning characteristics immediately at the start of class; sometimes it can take one or two weeks. Be online classes are at an accelerated pace I have to be vigilant from day one to ensure to meet the needs of the students and retain the students.
Jennifer
In order to effectively teach a diverse group of students you have to be able to identify student learning characteristics as early as possible.
You must know your audience. This helps the instructor to connect with the students
I think that exposure to the field of studies out side of the class room is an important part of learning about the industry the student is going to school for
