Dianne,
This insight helps an instructor with instructional planning as well student support. The more we know the easier it is for us to target the needs of our students.
Gary
Joe,
How does an instructor go about this type of planning? What should an instructor be looking for in terms of assessing how fast the students are learning? I know your input of this will be valuable for other instructors. Thanks.
Gary
By understanding a student learning style or characteristics, i can be prepare my lesson plans and have a strong impact on their learning and the classroom environment.
Understanding Learner Characteristics is important for an instructor to understand in order to present the material in the most effective way possible. Learners receive and absorb information differently and knowing how the Learner needs to receive the information to absorb and process it makes me a more effective instructor.
one can plan according to how fast your students are able to learn
helps to deal to recognize an be able to deal with students different styles of learning
Fernando,
So true. The students need to feel comfortable in the class and know that you are there to help support their learning and success if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
I work with students of different ages and background and I have realized the one of the most important thing I can do for the students is to reassure them that they have made the wright choice in their career. I times are threatened by the younger student and I feel I must reassure them that they can make it.
This is very helpful to learn different teaching stlyes to help your students.
What is important, in a short span of time, the teacher needs to learn their students and build repore with their students. The teacher next should create a learning environment that collectively moves the group forward and at the same time allows the teacher to communicate with each student on their level (students level). Included in this communication would be encouraging and reassuring the individual student and some times the entire class on doing a good job. Keep in mind all students are different and will require different amounts of hands on attention. Patience is a key element for the teacher in working with each student and keeping them and the group moving forward.
Kara,
All of these methods are good because they reinforce the content part of the course with applications and illustrations. The guest speakers are real motivators because they represent where the students want to go with their lives.
Gary
The majority of my students (Cosmetology) are both visual and hands-on. This can be difficult when teaching a theory class. I find that field trips and guest speakers provide a boost in enthusiasm for the students. Sometimes I have students "instruct" and this helps me determine how to best teach them.
It's important to get to know your students early on (age, experience, goals, etc.) so that you can use that information to maximize the benefit to the students throughout the course. It's helpful to identify students who need extra encouragement, along with those who wish to share their experience with others. In addition, knowing what students want from the class can help the instructor keep them motivated and attending throughout the term.
Understanding learner characteristics is a good challenge for instructors in needing to come up with multiple ways to teach the same material; be it for auditory, visual or tactile learners. A multi-facetted approach can also help reinforce the material for both the instructor and the class. Also, understanding the student's background and how the course material relates to their experiences makes the lesson more memorable and enjoyable for the students.
Helen,
Yes, they can. This is a part of targeting instruction to meet the needs of that current group of students.
Gary
By understanding learner characteristics, the instructional plan can include processes that will disseminate the information to the most students.
I agree with you. You have to find a way to reach every student in your class and identify each students learning styles. I try to start with a combination of learning styple by using differents propts such as add on's, brain storming and power point. This ususally allows the student to help me identify there learning style.
Ward,
Good point and well said in terms of understanding diverse learners.
Gary
Understanding learner characteristics helps me plan effective lessons. In a classroom situation, I try to gauge my students based on their individual abilities so that I can plan my lessons for the middle of that spectrum within the limited window of the class period. I can then deal with anything on either end of the learning scale individually or by administering groups outside of the class via workshops and email forums.
The surest way to create "buy in" for the information you have is to make them want it. Make learning wonderful, fun and easy.
