Terry,
Good reminder as we see class dynamics unfolding with different student profiles coming in. This is what makes teaching fun because we get to change our approach based upon student enrollment so even though we are teaching the same class over and over it is never boring since the population is in a constant state of flux.
Gary
This gave me a very good understanding of how to learn differant characteristics. i really enjoyed this course.
I feel understanding how the learner "learns" helps in the instructional or planning process. We have to understand what their learning style is and be able to adjust lessons in order to give each student the best opportunity to learn concepts.
I believe that an instructor must strive to "connect" with a student to insure understanding. Facial expressions I find are key.
use the different types of teaching methods for students
Student arrives in my class coming from very different places. To insure student success we need to know something about their life experiences/past educational experiences so that we can tailor the instruction to facilitate learning for all students.
If you can assess the fears and needs of your students, you can tailor your approach and content delivery to fit their particular characteristics. You might use what you have observed to elicit participation and interaction with the course content and subject material.
All learning styls are different and all ways have to be applied to hit all learners
In my area we have many displaced workers. Understanding the diversity of many individuals backgrounds helps in preparing for any type of lecture/in-class assignment. I really enjoy making the class interactive. I do believe that at times we can learn from one another than from the instructor. I never teach a class the same way twice.
Learner characteristics create the context in which the course information should be delivered. Each student has his or her own academic and professional experiences that will pre-determine how he or she approaches the information for any given course.
As an instructor, I come to class the first day with a knowledge of what students need to learn and experience throughout the course and a basic plan of delivery. Once I have gauged my students' backgrounds, interests, and skills, then I can more fully develop my plan of delivery to accommodate their needs and maintain their engagement in the course.
It's not as simple as saying "You're here so learn this." They need to apply it to their own experiences (or even anticipated experiences in a new field) before they can fully engage with and understand the material for success. If they are not actively involved in the process of learning, then they will not retain much usable skill and information from the course.
I find that the personality of the whole class varies by the bulk of the students in the class. In other words I sometimes have a class with mostly older adults and other times mostly 19 to 22 year olds. When this happens it is important to spend some extra time with any students who are kind of the "odd man out" to make sure thier needs are being met.
Nicholas,
I am sure your are going to see increased engagement with this strategy. Let me know how it works for you.
Gary
If an instructor understands students characteristics, it will allow he/she to prepare lessons plans that will meet the needs of all types of learners. An instructor should include course materials that is visual, auditory, and kinesthetic; as well as active and passive learners.
That's a really good idea. I hadn't actually thought of that. I mean, I've paused and asked around the room to see that everyone's on the same page and to see whether someone needed further or re-explanation, but I've never considered having them jot down a few notes and asking them questions based upon their perception of the discussion.
Thanks - I'm going to give that a shot. I think it'll be a great tool for almost instantly determining people's pace as well as points I need to review.
Understanding the learner characteristics in instructional planning will assist with the process of educating the learner in an effective and productive manner.
It's useful in identifying and anticipating potential and actual learning problems. It also allows for individualization on lessons
Germany,
This is a good and quick way to get a profile for each student. Then you can customize your instruction to meet the collective needs of that group of students.
Gary
Nicholas,
I appreciate your question and I'm not sure how to answer it due to the constraints that you are working under. When I do 1 week institutes I use "pause points" where I have students jot down the key points of what we have just covered or I will give them a problem solving situation to assess their knowledge acquisition. These two strategies help me to see what students may need some follow up before or after class. This way I can keep the course moving forward but also be of support to the students.
Gary
It is important to get an overview of the learning styles of the overall group of students in the class. I ususally try and have my students use a 3x5 card and write down their names, background, interests, and if they prefer lecture or more problem based learning. This allows me the opportunity to set the class atmosphere in a more productive manner. It also allows me to understand how to address students with learning deficits.
As long as I know I'm on the right page, I feel a little better about it.
It's a tough position, in my case, and all the more difficult to give that sort of tailored support to the students (at times). I only have the students for 1 week of a nearly 9-month curriculum.
The class I teach is acutely focused on an intensely detailed skill set. There is the necessity to move forward but the desire as well as necessity to ensure the students are retaining the information I'm putting in front of them.
Without prior knowledge of the student's backgrounds, insofar as experience or their personal needs, is there a way to approach things that keeps the floor open for someone to express a need, or give of themselves, allowing for a supportive situation?
That seems like it might be a slightly broad question, but I mean in light of the brevity of my relationship with the students.
