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 have found that with some of the older students, they don't necessarily want to learn a new skill to go to work but to just stay active with their learning as life long learners.
I think knowing and understanding students will assist in their education as well as the instructors ability to relay what is being taught. If an instructor can address the needs of students effectively, learning will become easier.
My biggest take away would be the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and I am excited to learn how to juggle all of the different motivators along with different backgrounds and lifestyles. My goal will be to get every student to buy into the idea to be both intrinsic and extrinsic, and to realize this trade can be rewarding on so many different levels. I want students to realize the power they hold with this new knowledge and to stake their claim in this world.
Know your audience and put them at ease. Be approachable.
Three parts of developing career goals: Informed decisions, Realistic aspirations and meaningful outcomes.
The aspect I found most compelling in the segment Understanding Student Characteristics (ED102) is the idea that students learn more effectively when lessons relate to their life experiences. My goal is to develop a strong understanding of each student and design lessons that connect to their unique backgrounds and life experiences.
Knowing and understanding your students will not only help you teach them but will also help you to be a better instructor.
One of the biggest takeaways from this module for me was understanding the specific fears and frustrations that adult learners bring to campus. Working in Financial Aid, I often see students when they are highly stressed, vulnerable, or overwhelmed by rules and limitations.
I intend to apply what I’ve learned by looking deeper into the root of their frustrations, keeping things like Maslow's hierarchy and their fear of failure in mind. When a student comes to my office upset, my goal is to practice active listening—validating their feelings and serving as a solid internal support system for them, while still maintaining professional boundaries and guiding them toward practical solutions. It’s a great reminder that we aren't just processing paperwork; we're interacting with people who are trying to navigate a complex system to better their lives. :)
Understanding student preferences and motivation enables the educator to better facilitate the knowledge and maintain motivation for students to complete the tasks. We must understand the adults we are teaching and target their preferences for getting to the point and making it applicable to real life.
Knowing or understanding your students will help you to facilitate them to be better learners and also you will become better instructors.
Helping students feel safe and helping them see that they can succeed is an important aspect to instuctionial duties. Students come from many backgrounds and often has expectation that are preconceived or with pre judgements, or even unrealistic, we should help them manage those while letting them learn and grow not only acedemically but personally as well.
Ensuring the physiologic needs of your students are met is a good start to help in the use of the Maslow's Heiracchy of needs in their career education.
Students come in many shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. It is the professor's job to identify what students need in order to be successful. We need to meet students where they are and help them achieve their goals regardless of their identity, ability or disability, and cultural background.
Student groups can be varied, this includes variation in age, experience, culture, dis-similar backgrounds, learning styles, and measurement of success. It is prudent and of great importance that the instructor articulates clearly, the goals and objectives of the course, what is expected and how to get there.
I learned that understanding student needs is really important for helping them succeed and stay in the program. Students have intrinsic needs, like wanting to learn skills and feel competent, and extrinsic needs, like feeling safe, comfortable, and recognized in the classroom.
I’ll apply this by making sure my students feel supported both personally and academically—creating a safe, welcoming environment, showing them how the skills they’re learning connect to real-world success, and recognizing their efforts along the way. This should help keep them motivated and engaged.
The struggles of our learners may not be something obvious but it's necessary to understand our students in order to help them succeed.
Adult learners have specific career goals and would like to relate their life experiences to their learning. It is ok to listen to student problems and try to help them but do not allow them to obstruct the instruction process.
I learned the importance of tailoring learning to adults by valuing their life experience in discussions. Planning ahead and letting them express what works for them is key to their success.
