I believe that understanding the learner's characteristics assists the instructor in creating an improved environment for learning by directing the attention of different characteristics to certain, but relevant aspects of the lecture, that may be more important to a certain group within the class, and doing this, the instructor could get a great response that will help him/her to have a more productive lecture.
When I know and understand my students, I can be a better instructor. I give pre and post test to begin to understand their learning characteristics. I also have them write a 1-2 page paper about themselves, which will also aide me to learn their specific characteristics.
I believe that it allows an instructor to embrace the different learning styles that are present throughout the class and adjust accordingly to present the material in a way that will benefit everyone.
Yes, I think it is an art to incorporate all the learning styles into the curriculum, in one class, in order that learning can be taylor-made for each individual student's understanding.It is one thing to teach but to make sure each student is getting understanding-some students grasp understanding a different pace. "Teaching is an art".
By understanding learner characteristics I can plan to utilize their life experiences and perhaps relate them to the new materials/subjects being taught. Other students will also learn and appreciate the value of relating concepts of the real world and will be more forthcoming of sharing their own acquired knowledge when it relates to the subjects and lecture material for that day. We learn to "learn" from each other.
Understanding the learner's characteristics assists the instructor in planning a lecture/class by providing information about how the students'background, eductational level, life experience, etc. impact their motivation to be present, their ability to learn by a specified method of presentation and their expectations or fears of the learning environment. The instructor can then make a class plan that addresses these needs so as to enhance the learner's success.
Perhaps by having a better understanding of the students, I can make a better syllabus and a more stimulating lecture. If I use current examples that my students are more likely to be familiar with, as well as pertinent to the course, the students will have more of a tendency to be engaged by the course.
Hi Paula,
Right you are. This is valuable information to have as you plan your instructional delivery. This lets you be more accurate in customizing your content and format.
Gary
Hi Tunessa,
Good point about knowing student characteristics. This information enables you to customize your instruction so that the needed student supports are provided. Then it is up to the students to put forth the effort needed to be successful.
Gary
Hi Anthony,
Right you are about the complex mixture of students and their respective reasons for being in the class. We need to factor all these elements into our instructional planning so we can "target" our content to meet their desired outcomes.
Gary
It helps the instructor gain insight into what teaching and interpersonal strategies are most likely to be successful in promoting learner interest, engagement, enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment, which leads to increased retention.
Understanding Learner characteristics helps guide learning within the clinical setting by allowing me to focus more attention on students that are in need of encouragement to perform a new task or to hover back from those that are very confident and display compentent in performing independently.
A class of students is a collection of individuals of diverse ages,background,experiences and goals. Gaining understanding and insight about our students will help us to better help them.
Hi Georgette,
Yours is such an important function. You are providing support at critical times in the learning sequence of students. Thank you for this and all that you do to keep the students focused.
Gary
I am not a Instructor, I am a librarian I focus with the student in different aras and needs.
By understanding these characteristics you will have a better understanding of a better way of developing the class and how the students retain information. This will allow them to grab hold of the information and be able to relate it to practical life lessons. This would give the student a more comfortable and accurate understanding of information.
Hi Stephanie,
You make a good point about how you can apply this information to enhance your delivery of instruction.
Gary
Yes, each student is a bit different in their learning styles and their ability to learn at a certain pace. Even though I love to learn and teach through the participant observations of field trips and guest speakers, I've had students that would rather learn out the book and have reading assignments. It is a balance of techniques that need to be employed, because one style will not fit all.
It allows me to recognize behaviors, both good and bad in order to cultivate a students learning enviorment
It is important as an instructor to know all the educational background on a student in order to formulate a proper teaching stratagy for that student.
