Ivy Joy,
How do you set your plans up for your classes? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You'll make a better plan ahead of time.
By understanding the learner, one can taylor the class and type of instruction to the learner(s). The better the instruction is taylored to the learner, the more the learner will learn.
Understanding the different learning styles of each student is important in the instructional process because it helps the instructor cater to the specific needs of each student during the planning process. In other words, lessons will be planned that include the characteristics of the class as a whole with several different parts to reach all students: visual, auditory or kinesthetic.
This helps to really understand the student and find out the best way that they can learn the material.
Understanding learner characteristics will help an instructor plan their approach to teaching the course material. Determining whether to teach a concept through a physical lab procedure or a lecture can often be determined by the learner characteristics of the students as well as by the nature of the course material.
Its been my experience that understanding "where the student comes from" allows me to better structure course materials that are relevant to the learner.
Everyone knows about the seven major learning styles. Coupling the individual characteristics with the students best method for retaining information makes sense. This lesson reinforces that concept, and shows differentiating among the many characteristics can make for a dynamic classroom.
Because each student is different and they are used to learning on different levels. So once you get to know the students you get better idea of what you are dealing with in terms of teaching.
Undertanding learner characteristics helps me to plan how much time will be needed for the lecture and didactic portion of my class as well as the technical skills portion of my classes. As an instructor in a vocational program understanding learning characteristics may also determine my method of presentation.
it help is because we can see the level of our student learning ability
There is no one way to teach every student---you have to make your lesson fit the individual.
Everyone learns differently. Some learn by doing, some by reading, some by lectures, some by computer, all people are motivated by different learning styles and characteristics.
Learning characteristics are just as important as learning environment, the textbook, and the student themselves. The learning characteristics is what makes the students them, understanding them is what will help the instruction process go smoothly.
Understanding the learner characteristics can help the instructor with making sure the instruction is differentiate.
Guy,
Thank you for sharing this example of instructor flexibility with us. We do need to "read" and be responsive to our students as we progress through the course. This way we can customize our instruction as we need to in order to meet their needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An understanding of learner characteristics helps tremendously in the instructional planning process. One of the most beneficial ways to begin with such planning is to lay a foundation of delivery that touches on each of the three ways that students tend to learn: aural, visual and kinesthetic. I therefore present formal lectures and discussions, assign readings and give written handouts, and create group projects, respectively.
But this still might not suffice, depending on the make-up of any incoming, unique class culture. For example, midway through this term I had a student approach me with her concern that she wasn't adequately able to assimilate the reading assignments...that I did not cover in class lecture all aspects of the reading assignments.
Of course, first and foremost an Instructor must create a spirit of camaraderie, of rapport with all class members--else some students would not be as forthcoming as this one was. Having overcome this initial, potential barrier successfully, it was my responsibility then to assimilate and incorporate her feedback. I immediately began the task of going over in class Everything that was assigned in the reading. I no longer left students on their own and dependent upon their reading comprehension and/or willingness to discuss/ask questions about the readings in class.
This was easily undertaken and fulfilled, but I was not aware of this particular need until just one student made me thus aware. This is now my regular practice in terms of delivering material that I wish for a student to retain.
successful teaching is based on bringing the contents of the syllabus in an applicable way to the students, has to be exciting so they don't get bored.Using different learning techniques for students to fit all types of learners like visual, auditory learning, applying the concepts in the book with class disscussions, tutorials & strengthening the concepts for memory of the student.
Mohammed,
All critical components of successful teaching. When an instructor brings these behaviors into the classroom the chances for success are greatly enhanced.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
by being devoted, excited, meeting the needs of the students with respect & care.
