Take for example Ultrasound Physics it must be presented in visual and also convey a breakdown of the complex principles adaptive to their level of learning
I have a student that simply doesn't have the aptitude to be in the program. She was accepted into a very diff. program before there was a testing process. I am being expected to teach this student, when she wouldn't be able to pass the entrance exams that are in place now. Now sure what to do?
By understanding learning charateristics of the students you can effectively plan a lesson that the major of the class can understand.
Heidi,
If you have warned the students you will be calling on them they will be prepared to answer. They won't feel singled out if you make this a common practice while conducting your discussion groups.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach online to small groups of visual learners so there is a need to incorporate lecture, videos, and student interactions. Sometimes it can be difficult to get students to talk about their experiences. There are times I have to call on specific students and ask them to share.
Heidi DeMello M.Ed.
Knowing an adult learner's background makes a tremendous difference in the planning process. One reason is, adults bring a lot to the table in terms of life experience. Understanding the dynamics of the class is also vital in the planning process.
Dr. Wilson,
Well said. Knowing these characteristics gives you so much to work with in terms of providing support.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
IT MOTIVATES THE THOUGHT PROCESS THAT STIMULATES THE BRAIN TO LOGICALLY REPONSE TO THE INSTRUSTORS LESSONS.
Q: How does an understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process?
A: Learning characteristics are critical to truly understanding how a student learns. Without taking these into account we as educators are unable to fully give the students the best educational environment possible. Teachers can make an amazing difference in students live when they stop and simply listen to the student. Not oily will you pick up on a students learning style but also the concerns that they have have that increases their anxieties. Accepting students "where they are" goes a long way in creating a great learning environment for the student.
I think it is very important to have the understanding of learner characteristics. It is most imporatant as an Instructor that we should get information about our students. Before every class I always ask questions on different subjects that are been taught to our students. By doing this I have a better understanding how knowledgable the students are and it also helps me in establishing how much information I have to present to the class.
Margaret Clarke
If you are able to recognize strenghts or weaknesses of a student, you should take advantage of them and make the course or lesson geared towards the student.
I have not been teaching long and
I think that with newer teachers they default to lecture because they are not aware of potentially better or innovative methods. I will review this book as I'm always loooking for new and innovative methods to keep my students engaged.
I like to incorporate many different learning styles in my classes. Everyone then has the ability to comprehend material, work with material, and formulate material with their own thoughts and actions. This tends to give everyone a chance to shine with knowledge and to develope adaptations with what they maybe classified as their style of learning, and increases the way in which they recieve and share their skills.
Caryn,
The majority of students are more tactile in their learning so the more "hands on" you can use the higher the interest level. This holds true for both lab and general content courses.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach massage therapy and there is some VERY dry information that needs to be taught before they enter the hands on part of the program. Self-instruction does help significantly.
I agree. You really have to utilize many methods to tap into the entire class.
By understand how our students learn, we can tailor our lessons to fit their needs.
I agree. As instructors we have to continue to adapt the lessons to our class for that term.
I've learned that hands on activities yield the best results.
Afrodite,
You are offering balanced learning opportunities to your students. This way they can work in their own learning preferences at different times throughout the course. This approach keeps them engaged and focused on the content at a much greater level.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As people we all have different learning styles. Some of us learn by seeing others by listening and others by doing. As an instructor I have to take this into consideration when generating lesson plans to meet the needs of these different learning styles. This means creating plans that will blend these different learning styles in order to effectively meet the needs of your student population. An instructor needs to do an observation of the student attention and retention in order to facilitate an effective plan of learning.
