Be Open-Minded
Many types of learners exist such as visual, kinesthetic, auditory, English language learners etc. Understanding their prior knowledge will also direct your course learning objectives. Additionally, think about how you will communicate your willingness to be open-minded to your learners and make them feel welcome within the learning environment.
Ask Questions to Gain Insight
Gain insight about your learners and ask why they are attending the class in order to understand the scope of your learner's prior knowledge. Their reasons may be synonymous or could range, but their responses should also be relevant to the course's learning objectives. Do not be afraid to ask a variety of question types such as survey style, true/false, or multiple choice, not just open-ended. Then, gather this data and categorize responses in order to create differentiated learning groups.
Allow Learners to Take Ownership
Facilitate a way to help learners write their own class objectives as a community. When learners have the ability to write expectations for themselves and their peers, this will allow them to feel heard and places most of the accountability on themselves. As these expectations are being created, provide feedback to learners on these learning objectives if needed.
Provide Unique Feedback and Suggestions
Based on the any data received from learners; between feedback and the community expectations that have been created, use this information to benefit learning styles in the classroom. Provide feedback about assignments in a selective format based on the type of learner. With this flexibility, learners will be more willing to implement this feedback. Some examples for various types of learners include:
Visual: Provide a rubric with criteria categorized and specified to learning expectations.
Kinesthetic: These learners could receive and provide peer reviews as well as move around the learning environment as they work in partnerships.
Auditory: Provide spoken commentary if assignments are online or make time for individual conferencing if learners are in-person.
English Language Learners: Provide visual, kinesthetic, and auditory options of feedback. Also, introduce any academic or specific language used in this feedback so that learners are given context.
Praise Your Learners
Be selective about why you are thanking learners, and use high-quality compliments that are tailored to their specific talents or contributions. Try to even encourage learners to compliment each other when valuable suggestions are made. Find time to celebrate small victories such as "A ha" moments or milestones to create a better sense of classroom community.
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