Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Understanding Learner Characteristics


Different learners will have different extents of the ability to learn. It can be attributed by several factors which were addressed in the post ‘student diversity’. In addition an important attribute that influence learning is the learner’s level of intelligence. 

Intelligence is the ability to reason out in a logical manner. It includes the processes of paying attention, identification of things and situations that are of significance, interpret and derive meanings. There are several types of intelligences unlike what was thought before. Previously Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was thought to be the main determinant of a person’s intelligence, however now it has been identified that several types of intelligences such as Emotional Intelligence (EQ), verbal, kinesthetic, spatial, intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence contribute to the overall intelligence of a person.

Some students may have one or more of the above mentioned types of intelligences developed beyond the expected for their age. Those students will be able to learn rapidly and successfully complete the tasks given to them much sooner. Such students are often referred to as gifted students. It is important identify such students and deal with them accordingly. If their needs are not addressed they could complete the tasks way ahead of others become easily bored. 

Learner style(s) of a learner could be understood by understanding his / her dominant type of intelligence and by designing tasks that require use of the dominant intelligence. This is particularly helpful to those students who don’t do well with stereotype of teaching. 


Reference:
PGCE lecture notes

No comments:

Post a Comment