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.
Listening to your students and understanding their reasons for attending class as well as their fears will enable you to find support and resources for them. It is important to take into consideration the diversity of your students and find ways for them to relate to each other. Creating an environment where they can share knowledge with each other.
The wide range of student age groups and cultural backgrounds will lead to challenges in teaching them. However, all of us have similar basic needs as humans, so the relation between the different groups can be bridged on those grounds.
One of the most valuable concepts I learned is that understanding students' diverse backgrounds, learning styles, motivations, and life responsibilities is essential for improving student retention. Every student brings unique strengths and challenges to the classroom, so using a one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective. As an instructor, I plan to build an inclusive and supportive learning environment by getting to know my students early, maintaining open communication, and providing timely feedback. I also intend to incorporate active learning, flexible teaching strategies, and relevant real-world examples to increase engagement. By recognizing students' individual needs, I hope to promote academic success, confidence, persistence, and ultimately improve course completion rates.
I have learned that each student has their own needs and own reason to be attending.
Examining the entirety of the class to get a scope of the diversity of the individuals, this will help to ultimatley determine what they will need intrinsically and extrinsically as students to get the most out of the class, and hopefully help them connect with me as an instructor, to be able to meet those needs.
I have learned from this course that every student comes to school with their own unique background, experiences, and challenges. Some of these challenges come from within, while others are influenced by outside factors, and both can have a significant impact on learning. As educators, it's important to recognize these differences and provide the support and encouragement students need throughout their learning journey.
One thing I learned from this module is that understanding students' backgrounds, motivations, and individual circumstances is essential for helping them succeed in an online course. Every student has different experiences, responsibilities, and support needs, so taking the time to understand those differences can improve engagement and reduce attrition. As an online instructor, I plan to apply this by communicating with students regularly, providing encouragement and timely support, and creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.
What I learned from this section is the words Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when it comes naturally to you and Extrinsic motivation is when you it is alien or foreign to you. We all have those characteristics in us with many different subject matters and learning.
Listening to students is one of the most important skills I can use to teach. Understanding their needs and what they want to accomplish with their time in the classroom helps me to know how to present the information. Taking a few minutes to listen to their personal stories without getting caught up in drama, and being able to redirect back to a learning environment is somewhat an art. Doing so effectively helps the student to have confidence without making their story seem unusual or out of place, which, sometimes it is.
If you can better understand your student needs, you are more likely to help aid their success in their program.
Students have different backgrounds and challenges when they enroll in school. Some are internal and external needs that can play a large part in their learning. We as educators, must be mindful of these challenges as we work and encourage them throughout the learning process.
Knowing your students help guide the instructor through different ways to teach each individual student
When you recognize a student need and offer to assist them. It helps to bridge the gap between the student and the teacher. Which helps to open up communication, and the student feel comfortable like they have someone they can depend on when they have issues going on with them.
Recognizing student needs is an important part of supporting student retention. By identifying these needs, instructors gain insight into each student’s current situation and can determine effective ways to provide encouragement and support. Creating a positive and supportive learning environment requires addressing a variety of student needs, which can be grouped into two main categories: students’ intrinsic personal needs and their extrinsic needs within classroom and laboratory environments.
To fully understand your students, you must make an effort to get to know them and gain insight on their motivation and personalities to better adapt your teaching to be the best for that particular group of students.
I want to pay more attention to the student , and the stories that are having an impact on their life. Taking extra time after class to listen to anything that may be a concern !
When it comes to hands on learning and/or labs students learn in a slightly different manner and rate. If you can you can partner students together that will compliment each other to get the most out of the labs or hands on portion of the class.
You need to know your student's as an individual and know their needs as that individual. You cannot categorize them.
