The question posed here is:
How does an understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process?
This is an excellent topic to discuss and a truly important one.
I have always found that teaching is a very flexible and dynamic activity, rather than a rigid one. There isn’t one set formula for success, and the “ingredients†vary based on the learners, the environment, and all other specific details. It is crucial to understand learner characteristics so that instructional planning may be tailored to best suit the needs of the students.
While it is necessary and important to have a solid “framework†for teaching, the details vary between different types of learners and their characteristics.
I have taught both online and in a physical classroom, and knowing the specific learner characteristics has always been a driving force in helping to shape my teaching plan. For instance, online learners and physical campus learners are different, as are adult learners and younger learners. Understanding these unique characteristics and creating a teaching plan and classroom environment that best suits them is an important part of fostering student success.
Jeremy Bolton
All planning must include the learners' characteristics. Learners need to relate to life experiences. The more the Instructor understands the history and needs of the learner, the easier to guide lessons so each learner can personify the new information.
Knowing that people do in fact learn differently, understanding each student's learning characteristics will insure that I plan appropriately. My lesson plans will be sure to include something for the visual learner, the "hands on" learner and so forth. To neglect this important component of teaching would be to rob the learner of his or her learning.
I can plan for the class more focused with a better understanding that there ARE learner characteristics that apply for every class, rather than having a "set " class instruction & I can apply these techniques and ask questions different from what I have done in the past.
Ruth,
Right you are. Knowing these characteristics really help you to customize your instruction to meet their specific needs.
Gary
Douglas,
Offering variety and change of pace really helps to keep students engaged. You make a good point in relation to helping to keep students focused in the course.
Gary
Havig a clear understanding of Learner Characteristics can help you plan how to approach lectures, activities, and student evaluations. You need to plan a variety of learning experiences that will keep the attention of most if not all students. this will also result in higher attendance rates, and class retention.
I think that we need to be aware that different things work better for different students. I think that developing this awareness and trying to use various teaching methods other than lectures and readings, helps to reinforce learning for all students.
An understanding of learner characteristics aids the instructional planning process because it allows the instructor to evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic needs of the student and to incorporate those needs into their lesson plan. Knowing each student's learning style and studying habits, coupled with their background, culture, current life situation, the instructor can adjust their lecture to cater to the needs of many students. The lecture can be made to suit the needs of a visual/auditory/kinesthetic/reading-writing learner.
It enables the instructor to plan activities and group work that challenges, utilizes and recognizes the diversity of student characteristics in the class-- it moves the instructor from a one-size-fits-all strategy in planning
Karen,
So true and so important. We need to make sure we are good listeners to what the students are saying both verbally and non-verbally.
Gary
It is important to understand learner characteristcs in the instructional planning process so that the instructor knows when and how to encourage and support students to help them to succeed in the classroom. Many times students are frustrated because of various reasons and it is important for the instructor to interact with the student and listen to complaints or problems. Many times just listening can help.
I think that the information presented is really helpful because I deal with these type of situations on a daily basis in the classroom and some situations I am unsure of what action to take. When you know how the student is and what he/she is possibly thinking, then I can assist my student and hopefully add to their experience.
You can align you presentation style to the primary characteristics of your students to ensure they receive the best education possible.
Understanding the learner characteristics puts the instructor in a position to appeal to as many students as possible. An instructor can develop a plan that targets the best opportunities to provide support and encouragement.
An understanding of the learner characteristics is essential to inform the instructor's approach. Older learners and younger learners have different expectations and motivations for continuing education. Cultural differences and disabilities also have critical implications requiring appropriate address.
The basic understanding that everyone learns differently allows you to plan for multiple scenarios. Your instruction may need to include visual, hands on, discussion or a combination.
Understanding learner characteristics allows the instructor to better understand where his students "are coming from" and allows the instructor to tailor his/her instructional method to reach his/her students with the course material.
Good ideas. Through these methods, students see relevance in what they are learning and you are getting to know how they learn.
Kimberly,
The projection of one's self into other individuals shoes is an important part of instructional planning. By seeing through the eyes of students you can adapt your instruction in such a way to provide the needed support.
Gary
