Understanding Student Characteristics | Origin: ED102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Student Retention Methods --> Understanding Student Characteristics
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I think it is important to bring real life to the classroom to get to know our students and feel as though the learning experience can be catered to different needs. We are not one size fits all and I like that this highlights our individual needs.
Understanding the student allows you to custom the material for that student
When I was a student at [school name] it was easy to connect with students I was tutoring because we were meeting as peers in the sense that I didn't have the burden of being an authority figure, so students would have no problem with being honest about gripes, opinions or anything else. What this taught me is that a great deal of preparation has to be put into encouraging and retaining a diverse group of learners. I particularly like the focus on taking notes and trying to get a complete view of each individual, in order to develop tailored teaching strategies. I think a good leader needs a lot of humility and empathy and as instructors we are leading people in learning. That extra responsibility to also be an authority figure for them was what most fascinated me about this section. I think that along with preparation being key, one has to be able to adjust in real time for, possibly several people at the same time, how to not only encourage and motivate them but to try to prevent any disciplinary actions before they become necessary.
This module helped breakdown how I can assist the students to learn in a productive environment taking into account different life/work experiences and fostering a "safe" zone for students to come and learn the skills they need to be proficient and ready to work among their peers with confidence. Giving positive feedback and encouragement helps students stay focused on the content provided and to respect their time and my own.
Completing this module helped me better understand the instructor’s role when students face hardships, such as difficulty securing basic needs or managing conflicts outside of the course that affect their academic performance.
Understanding the students and their goals using life experiences to keep them engaged in the topic.
Learn each student and their goals and direct them in the right path
Each students learn in a different ways, visual, audio, tactile. Finding each the way each student thrives in the learning atmosphere and what their goals are helps them expand as a student.
Giving the students hands on information helps them to learn and retain the information given. Allowing the student to be open with the subject to give their own personal objectives to what the subject is.
Structure and communication in the classroom allows the student to learn. Communication with the students in the classroom shares thoughts and ideas giving them a the confidence for success.
Problems will arise no matter the time or day for the students, and we are to listen to said students who need it most to help them feel encouraged to keep going for themselves.
Students will enter the classroom with their own personal experiences. My goal is to create a learning environment that can feel included while teaching the objectives.
I learned that it is important to treat the classroom like a workplace area to help provide the students with the discipline needed to have positive growth in their future career paths. I feel by working on having this type of discipline really puts the students towards success. I have also learned that making sure to identify the student's "why" for why they have chosen to join the class to be able to continue to encourage them and remind them of their reasoning to help them achieve their goal of being successful and completing the course.
As an attorney, I long ago learned that communicating with clients required understanding where they were coming from--their backgrounds, intellect, education, experiences, etc. The same "rules" apply to teaching adult students, whose backgrounds can be as varied as the stars in the sky. I have to understand where they're coming from and why they're here. I need to understand what motivates them, but also what interferes with that motivation. And then I need to tailor how I teach to those aspects, i.e., their intrinsic and extrinsic needs.
In my prior career as an explosives Technician, I have taught thousands of hours and personnel from all backgrounds throughout my 26 years of service both federal and military. Can't pinpoint to any one point that I would consider new, it has been more of a refresher. I would say that knowing your audience/students and allowing them to provide their input, in my eyes is the most crucial factor as an instructor. You can be the subject matter expert on everything. However, you must have the ability to present the information in many different ways so that all students can understand.
I learned that education is very important structurally. Each student situation is to be observed and met (within limits) to assist them in their journey of training and to get them to feel comfortable, safe and cared for to where the barriers that they possess does not inflict there learning and ability to strive for better even in the midst of things.
I learned that it is important to acknowledge that your students are at various stages of development and life experiences some of which I may have never experienced. All of them are looking for a place of empowerment, opportunity and reassurance that they're on the right track.
When students feel understood and supported, they are more likely to stay engaged and succeed.
Comment on Love Dsane's post: I found that coddling them expended energy taken away from the rest of my group. Ultimately, it wasn't helpful.
