Week XV

 

DESCRIBING LEARNERS

This week we couldn't have classes per se, but we were able to dig deeper into the types of learners. As we saw weeks ago, we all have different learning styles and among that particular style we must consider the factors that define our learners, such as:

• Age
• Learner Differences
• Language Levels
• Their Motivation
• Background

Age

Those children up to the ages of 9 or 10 learn differently from older children, adolescents, and adults in the following ways:

• There's response to meaning even if individual words are not understood.
• Their understanding comes from what they see, hear, and – crucially – from what they have the chance to touch and interact with. 
• Grammar concepts are difficult to grasp. 
• Enthusiasm is generally displayed. 
• There's a need for individual attention and approval from the teacher.
• They are keen to talk about themselves. 
• They have a limited attention span, losing interest after ten minutes or so.

Adolescents

• Usually regarded as problematic students; however, when they find the purpose of the activity, they usually do it successfully. 
• Often committed and passionate when they like what they are being taught. 
• Approval is needed, but most of the time, from their peers. 
• When feeling comfortable, they are keen to talk about their experiences. 

Adults

• Engagement with abstract thought is possible.
• There's a whole range of life experiences to draw on. 
• There are expectations about their learning process. 
• They tend to be more disciplined. 
• Teachers can use adults’ experiences to create a wide array of activities. 
• They have a particular understanding of what they are learning. 

Learner Differences

When we talk about learner differences, we refer to the multiple intelligences they possess, their learning style (according to VARK and KOLB) and their characteristics. 

Motivation

• Intrinsic – from within
• Extrinsic – from external factors
• Some factors that elicit motivation:
• The goal
• The society we live in
• The people around us
• Curiosity

Background

When we talk about the background, it might change depending on his culture, nationality and economic status. However, this also extends to their identity, roots, who they are as a person and everything around him that makes them unique. And it deserves its own respect, just like any other important attributes they might have.