Students do come into the classroom with a variety of emotions:fear, negativity, anger( if they were pushed into this)low self-esteem ,lack of self confidence.These qualities will definitely have an impact on their learning experience.Regardless of their learning style ,it is the instructor's responsibility to create a learning environment to benefit each student thus enabling them to be successful employees.
Radha, I think you have stressed some very critical elements of creating success in a classroom, and in the life of the student. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Michele Deck
It is very important to take into consideration every ones learning style. As an instructor, your job is to be aware of any difficulties students are having in the classroom concerning the learning process. Find out what different teaching methods will work in your classroom.
Elizabeth, this is an important teacher responsibility. If more instructors were learner focused, more students would feel supported in their efforts in school.
Michele Deck
I believe frame of mind impacts every aspect of how information is received, retained and used. Knowledge of students learning style affects their learning process and their success in the classroom.
Julie, in building personal awareness of their styles, students can engage in self directed learning.
Michele Deck
I often ask my students.to tell me if there is a different teaching style I can use that would better mesh with their learning style. You have now shared great tools that I can use to assess the students myself. Thank you.
Luisa, the best learning happens when it is student driven. Keep up your good work and intentions.
Michele Deck
Coming from a nursing background, I learned early that you must leave your issues "at the door" and focus on your patient and their well being. Education is the same. The focus must be on your student and their well being. They are our customers and the reason we are teaching.
And the reverse is also true. The patient/student has to have the right mindset to get a good outcome, whether it be healing or learning.
When you are open and receptive to new ideas and are looking forward to a positive result, the journey its self is often a positive one.
Carolyn, it is hard to change and be open to new ideas and practices. Helping them along the way is an instructor's job.
Michele Deck
This is so true, both parties need to be on the same page and have the mind in the game (class room), sometimes as an educator you find students either day dreaming, whispering with another student will give you the understanding that the students is not paying attention therefore, not getting the material or wanting to take part in the topic/discussion. We need to find a way to bring them back to the subject at hand.
James, these are sure signs that the learners are not engaged.
Michele Deck
Frame of mind is critical. A student must be motivated to learn and ready to learn or no learning will take place no matter how many methodologies employed by faculty.
If you are upset about person problems or work issues it is hard to focus on what you need to do and learn. I would say frame of mine is very important.
It can be very negative or positive. If someone is upset or angry about something personal they will have a hard time concentrating. If they are happy and well rested they tend to be more focused.
Tammy, we never know which student will have these challenges. That is one thing that makes our jobs interesting.
Michele Deck
Our frame of mind has a lot to do with how we learn, and also how we as instructors can create a constructive learning environment. The information provided in this learning module has helped me tremendously in understanding how others fall into different learning categories. This information will serve me better in reaching my students and help them in ways that benefit them.
I teach Dental Hygiene. Frame of Mind in any program is important, and I find that I must keep my students focused on patient/clinical care and today's appt. Many things maybe going on with their family, support group, other courses, etc. But when delivering local anesthesia, for example, they need to be 100% in tune with the patient, their medications and vital signs.
Frame of mind, of both the student and instructor, plays a large role in learning. If someone is in a positive frame of mind, they are more likely to be open to learning new ideas and concepts. This is especially true when facing methods of learning that may be different from what you are used to. Being open to new methods of learning will allow you to expand your own ideas and gain from learning a new perspective.
Jennifer, not only must we be open to new methods of learning, but the students must be open to many new experiences.
Michele Deck
