knowing learner

Knowing Learners

To effectively choose learning methods and help learners learn, you must first know something about whom you are teaching. Your learners will come from very different backgrounds and have various learning needs.

Knowledge about learners will enable you to refine lectures, class discussions, comments, illustrations, and activities so that they are more effective learning experiences. References to learners' interests, backgrounds, knowledge, and even anxieties can make the class seem more personal and the material more accessible.
Not all learners will have the same background in your field. By assessing learners' comprehension levels of the subject, you can modify your own teaching to fit their needs. By customizing your course to learners' needs, you can teach more efficiently and effectively.

 Your first step will be to find out more about your learners. On the first day of class, hand out a questionnaire. You should find out what previous classes learners have had in your field and related subjects. You can list basic terminology you expect learners to understand, and ask learners to mark the words they do not understand or feel uncomfortable with. Ask your learners if their attendance or participation in class and on assignments will be affected by their religion,  or any other unique situation. 

The Benefits of Knowing Learners

1. Create a psychologically safe environment for every learner.
2. Determine each learner's readiness for learning.
3. Identify multiple access points to the curriculum to increase engagement and success.
4. Develop and demonstrate greater emotional intelligence in the classroom.