Every teacher must believe and understand that all their learners ought to acquire equal hopes, education and future aspirations from their learning. On the other hand, the teacher must know that they will meet learners with different dynamics during their teaching career. The main difference is that some students will learn fast, and others will be slower. Again, they will teach learners that are challenged or disabled in some way. In the light of this, it is crucial that a teacher identify and meet the needs of every learner without discrimination. The following are 5 reasons why it is important to identify and meet individual learner needs when teaching. Show 1. Achieving Quality In the classroom, there are children with behavioural, emotional, social or other challenges that may limit their learning abilities. Therefore, when the teacher identifies their weaknesses and applies measures to overcome them, their learners acquire education without any barriers. This ensures that the challenged learners do not feel left out or discriminated from the rest. 2. Developing Talents The needs in the classroom are not always negative. Learners, especially young ones, are usually undergoing the process of understanding their skills. The teacher, however, is experienced enough to tell that a certain learner has a particular skill or talent. In this case, skills and talents become needs too because they require nurturing to develop. Therefore, once the teacher identifies them and provides the essential support to develop them, they help the learners to discover and grow them. 3. Creating Interest Identifying and meeting individual learner needs boosts their morale and encourages them. In some cases, the learner does not gain much from mass instruction. As such, when the teacher provides individually prescribed instruction (IPI) it significantly helps many learners to understand and grasp educational concepts. This applies more to subjects such as mathematics and art. If a student feels supported by their tutor, they develop rather than lose interest in learning. 4. Planning Classroom Activities Once the teacher is familiar with the personal needs of their learners, they can easily plan their day-to-day classroom activities, so they cater to all of them. For instance, the teacher will know how to plan the timetable for counselling, individual tutoring, group interactions and general supervision. In short, each activity targets the needs of specific students such that by the end of the day, every learner’s needs are fully met. 5. Organising the Classroom The best way for a teacher to organise the classroom is by first identifying the characteristics of each learner. The learners that need more personalised instruction can sit closer to the teacher. If a student has visual difficulties, the teacher can sit him or her closer to the blackboard. They can also sit near a door or window where there is an abundance of light. In a nutshell, the needs of the learners should determine the availability of supplementary material, accessibility of equipment and supplies, as well as the seating arrangements. Evidently, it is paramount that the teachers identify and meet individual learner needs when teaching. This is because it allows them to devote their energies beyond regular teaching into effective education that is supportive and considerate for each learner. In this way, the students are motivated, supported, empowered, and developed because optimum learning conditions are created. By an iQualify UK staff writer AndragogyAdult Learning Theory Malcolm S. Knowles' theory of andragogy is a learning theory that is developed on the specific needs of adults. In contrast to pedagogy, or learning in childhood, Knowles emphasizes that adults are self-directed and expect to take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning programs must accommodate this fundamental aspect. The following chart summarizes the assumptions and processes of pedagogy and adragogy:
Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning:
1. The adult learner usually has an identifiable purpose. In practical terms, andragogy means that instruction for adults needs to focus more
on the process and less on the content being taught. Strategies such as case Knowles (1984, Appendix D) provides an example of applying andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training:
Key Factors Found in Successful Adult Learning Programs:
Motivation of Adult Learners: The following have been found as motivators to adult learning:
Unlike children and teenagers, adults have many responsibilities that they must balance against the demands of learning. Because of these responsibilities, adults have barriers against participating in learning. Some of these barriers include lack of time, money, confidence, or interest, lack of information about opportunities to learn, scheduling problems, "red tape," and problems with child care and transportation. Curriculum Design
References: Knowles, M. S. et al (1984) Andragogy in Action. Applying modern principles of adult education, San Francisco: Jossey Bass. web reference site of What are the principles and types of learning and to improve the readiness of the learner?Principles of learning include readiness, exercise, effect, primacy, recency, intensity and freedom. Readiness implies a degree of willingness and eagerness of an individual to learn something new. Exercise states that those things most often repeated are best remembered.
What are the principles of learning theory?The seven principles of adult learning include self-direction, transformation, experience, mentorship, mental orientation, motivation, and readiness to learn. Adult learning theories can positively impact adult learning experiences both in the classroom and on the job.
What is the meaning of Andragogic?Andragogy refers to methods and principles used in adult education. The word comes from the Greek ἀνδρ- (andr-), meaning "man", and ἀγωγός (agogos), meaning "leader of". Therefore, andragogy literally means "leading men", whereas "pedagogy" literally means "leading children".
Why is andragogy important to the training activity?Applying andragogy in L&D can make your learners make more sense of the direction of their own learning depending on their own needs and goals. Putting andragogy in training and development in mind, you can promote more learning independence for your employees.
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