Types of Learners
Frustration can grow and change based on the type of learner.
Handling communication with each type of learner takes change. IF the facilitator is a baby boomer he or she may not know how to appeal to the young learner.
It is essential to communicate the way the course will be handled up front and in the syllabus and then reiterate it throughout the course.
Robin Jonas
Emmanuel and Lynn,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Students are not unlike online instructors in many ways. They all have families, work hard and step up when they need to. Thanks!
Lynn,
You are absolutely right. I think that is why we are working with them. We know who ae customers are. I applaud them, I could not do it. Family responsibility nnd going to school is a full time job. Then add working 40+ hours job a week. The are all my heroes.
Lynn,
We have to be able to read between the lines to help all students. Just be careful how you "read" the situation or student. Thanks!
Exactly... We really do need to read between the lines. Students often have many things going on in their lives. The fact they are taking a class online tells me that they are juggling many things..Therefore I need to be conscious of that both when I instruct and when I listen
Lynn
Rhonda,
Tone can make all the difference in the world. And, remember you are serving as a role model when you communicate, so tone is an excellent topic to discuss. Thanks!
Douglas,
You made some great points! I also try to consider the tone in my communication with students; especially voice to voice. Sometimes the tone can make a difference in the message being delivered to the student.
Robert,
Explaining how you are providing information and when you will be available will help with this as well. Also, explaining that what they are doing now in the course will help them become a better employer will benefit the students as well. Thanks!
Robert,
Setting those clear goals and expectations and communicating them to the students, is essential. If you can also explain clearly how you are providing information and where information will be available to them, it helps as well. Thanks for your posting.
I often get a bit frustrated when trying to take into account the different ways students learn...and how different age groups receive information. I believe in setting out clear goals and expectations not only at the beginning of a class, but throughout the course. I also think this helps prepare the student to find success in the workforce following graduation. In most cases, they'll be given tasks to perform, and a way to perform them. This is very simplistic of course; there are many factors involved in learning. However if a student can conform to a method of learning behavior (regardless of generation) they might have greater success doing so for an employer.
I often get a bit frustrated when trying to take into account the different ways students learn...and how different age groups receive information. I believe in setting out clear goals and expectations not only at the beginning of a class, but throughout the course. I also think this helps prepare the student to find success in the workforce following graduation. In most cases, they'll be given tasks to perform, and a way to perform them. This is very simplistic of course; there are many factors involved in learning. However if a student can conform to a method of learning behavior (regardless of generation) they might have greater success doing so for an employer.
Douglas,
One-on-one communication and letting students know they (and you) are real people in this classroom can be effective. Thanks for sharing.
Douglas,
It's a matter of understanding our audience and our audience is our students. Sounds like you are doing a good job.
Thanks for your input.
I have found that calling students when a major issue arises always tends to help. Students appreciate it when I take the time to call them. A phone call from an online instructor provides an intimate connection between the student and the instructor.
I think as an instructor we have to be aware of not only who we are and what generation we represent but also who are learners are and what they need in terms of viable course communication.
I try to consider the tone of each and every e-mail I send. I also try to understand the fact that some of my students are visual learners and some are audio and some are experiential. I try to make sure I provide content in each of my courses that meets the diverse needs of the different types of learners I have in each class.
Sara and Robin,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. If you are texting students, have you tried Remind 101? It is a program students can sign up for once you set it up and with one message you can text all students if you want. Thanks!
Robin,
I think you make very valid points. I try to meet my students where they are. So, if a student prefers a phone call or text messaging, that is how I communicate. After all, this is about the student and not us.
Robin ,
We have to be willing, as instructors, to adjust our teaching style and communication style to meet the students needs. Good advice. Thanks!
