Different learning styles and levels
I sometimes have students that become distracting to their peers because they are at a more advanced level and finish early. What are some ways that folks manage this issue?
I have enough work for everyone to deal with during and after our class. I teach math, so there are always more practice problems that can be done.
Regards,
Scott
Hi Eleanor,
As a student, I was one of the ones that usually "got it" 1st. My instructors quickly learned to use me as a resource to help tutor some students who were having trouble. And as 1 of the respondents pointed out, all of us have both strengths and weaknesses. I've got medical, math, and English down, but technology? Aaak! The student who shook so hard she couldn't draw blood was great at counseling other students and offering to be everyone's patient. There was a student who couldn't figure out a simple med dosage to save her life- or her patient's! But she is beloved by staff and patients alike at the hospice she works in because she gives it her all every day without complaint. Our students all have different learning styles and attitudes, and I think it helps to picture where each student's strengths will take them. Complimenting them on their strengths is a step in the right direction. -Jeanne
We usually have more than one project in the works, plus the homework for the next class, so there's always another task to turn to.
Hi Jennifer,
We must continue to put these great minds to full use. What a smart way to utilize your more advanced students to help the students that are not as advanced.
Patricia
I teach veterinary technology students and their are some students that are much more advanced than there fellow class mates. On the first day of class, I find out how much experience each student has. I reinforce the idea that this is a learning environment and they will learn at there own pace and not to become discouraged when their fellow class mates are picking up on things faster. I typically use the more experienced students to help co-teach labs. This helps students with less experience get to know their peers who are more advanced and see that they are there to help and that they can learn from them. I find that this helps the class bond and students learn a lot more.
Hello Sarah,
What a great way to keep the advanced students focused and motivated. Have you ever had a student that is not advanced question why you do this?
Patricia
I will often have those advanced students seek out reas they would like to learn more about and have them prep the food and instructional media and we work on presenting to the class together.
Hello Christopher,
What a great speil to give your students. I teach skill level courses, and I always give this type speil the first day of every class. The speil tends to decrease a lot of uneasiness.
Patricia
I have also found that on the first day telling my students that the all will be on different levels not to fret, through out the time we are together everyone will show strength in one area with weaknesses in another. Also encourage student to share the secrets of their strength with the class when I see it arise, sometimes the perspective of that student will make sense to the others in I way that I may not have.
Hi Eleanor,
I get the advanced students to help others who do not finish as quickly. Also, I have had chats with the individuals who do not finish as quickly as others. I talk at length about pace and how everyone catches on differently.
Patricia
