Robert,
What a great post!!! You are right, it does help identify pitfalls that students can avoid. It is a great way for students to learn to take feedback and make changes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it is important for two aspects:
1. for the student to see where he/she should focus in order to overcome some potential weaknesses
2. for the instructor to be able to assess the needs and set his/her priorities to help and support the students needing additional attention.
Overall, this approach will benefit both sides, but primarily put the students in a more confident situation in his/her abilities to learn, understand and perform.
Miriam,
Great post! I think we as instructors need to make sure students understand they have strengths and use them as well work on weaknesses. You don't want them to use their weakness to be their excuse for not learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory for their benefit and the benefit of the instructor. The student will become aware of their strengths and weaknesses as they begin the class so that they can address any issues sooner rather than later. For the instructor they can adjust the class as needed to fit the student's ability. For example, if the student(s) need a review of a specific topic or introduction to a new online tool they can address it as a group. The self-analysis inventory benefits both student and instructor as it provides feedback on existing skills and skills that need development.
David,
I love your first statement. It is so true. Students just set in the car. They don't look around and "process" what they learn and add it to the skill set. This really does pertain to the benefits of the student self-analysis.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One common weakness among both students and instructors is the tendancy to move forward without thinking about the road just travelled and one's ability to go the distance. All this to say, students do well to reflect upon their strengths, weaknesses, and level of readiness.
LE,
I like your comment that "self evaluation process sets a tone for . . . student success." The self analysis does help students focus on success. We tend to focus on the gaps but should focus on self improvement.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The benefit of getting the students to think about the real challenges of an online learning environment are many.
Some examples are:
1) The student gains an understanding of the challenges ahead.
2) The student has a chance to proactively anticipate problems and develop coping strategies.
3) The self evaluation should lead the student to ask other relevant questions that will help them understand and prepare for the class.
4) Discussion and review of the self-analysis may help the student recognize things about themselves that they had not considered.
5) The self evaluation process sets a tone for the study that is focused on student success.
I am sure there are others but the above are the primary ones that quickly came to mind.
Thanks!
Dr. Glenn ,
Well, I will actually say that for profit schools aren't the only ones. I think we have to have the discussion about poorly prepared students and self analysis plays that role.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe for profit schools seeking dollars may engage in admission practices that are more focused on meeting financial goals versus producing a stellar student product that will succeed in learning to learn in the real world.
Dr. Glenn ,
You are right, I like that term non-intrusive which indeed it does. Reality of online learning is not an easy item to grasp. I am not sure where students get the idea online is easier than f2f.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
LaBoore,
That is true. You can also find resources that will help students grow. Technology helps us provide those resources.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
LaBoore,
That is true. They need to be able to take that constructive feedback and work on improving themselves with our guidance. That is the goal.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Francis ,
True, great attitude. You can also look at resources that may help them with deficits they may have. That is the benefit technology brings to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
Great point! We do need to teach our students to take feedback and make changes that improve them. These exercises in self analysis are so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Often learners engage with online learning with the expectation that this journey to their degree will be much easier than an on ground experience. They do not fully grasp the necessary commitment to understand what is really required. Providing a self-analysis inventory is a very non-intrusive means of waking the learner up to the reality of online learning.
By knowing a bit more about your student, it will help you become a better facilitator because you can tailor the discussions and assignments based on your audience background..
I feel that it is important for students to complete a self analysis so they can focus on their strengths and weaknesses. It will help to create an awareness about their role an d motivation in the process of learning and hopefully force them to identify with self truths. That way they can work on their weaknesses.
You need to find out what kind of student you are dealing with. In my situation, the student is already in my class, so I don't have the opportunity to screen them. With that being said, I can find out as much about that student as possible so I can better help them to succeed.
The self analysis inventory will help the student to be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses and how they will relate to their success in the online environment. Also this will begin a process of self reflection that may help the student to be more succesful in life.
