Teachers: How Well Do You Know Your Learners?

One of the things a teacher needs to do to manage the class successfully is getting to know the students as soon as possible.

Starting the year in an organized and controlled manner is not just part of the teacher's responsibility but helps build a positive atmosphere in the classroom.

By now, you should have an idea of who your learners are in terms of their learning styles, attitudes and interests.

Being knowledgeable of your students' learning styles helps you address their learning needs.

As you plan your lessons, ask yourself the following:

Are your learners more like a ...

Paper clip

- organized, accurate, keeps things together, likes lists and timelines...

Teddy Bear

social, warm and fuzzy, interested in people, uses all senses...

Magnifying lens

asks why, looks carefully at things, would prefer to reinvent the wheel...

Slinky

flexible, creative and goes with the flow...

When you know these answers, then you can understand what motivates them to learn.

Paper clip

Mastery: feeling competent, good grades clear expectations.

Teddy Bear

Interpersonal: connecting with the personal experience, sense of belonging, quality of relationships.

Magnifying lens

Discovery: discovery tasks, understanding, questioning.

Slinky

Self-espressive: imagining and creating, personal expression, communication

Finally, you can use this information to create motivating lessons ...

Paper clip learners: What makes a place a community?

Teddy Bear learners: What is the purpose of a community?

Magnifying lens learners: What are the pros and cons for having communities?

Slinky learners: Imagine what a community of the future might look like.

The key is DIVERSITY - How much do you really know your learners?

Then use that knowledge to appeal to all students.

Soon you'll be able to do this automatically.

But for now, get to know your learners a bit more today!