Careful planning also takes time into consideration, too long spent in one specific area may result in low attention spans. However, if not enough time is given to a specific area then several of the students may not grasp the subject. Therefore, a lecturer should be aware of setting the right pace for individual students.
For example the Edexcel Entry Level group consists of a group of nine learners who have not previously attended mainstream schools, for a variety of reasons.
Including disabilities such as dyslexia or deafness and many have behavioral problems that contribute to a low attention span. Therefore, an ILO being present during lessons, to support as and when needed is a vital resource.
One or two members of the group will try to dominate the lesson if they are given the chance so strategies need to put in place during the lesson in order to avoid this situation. Once you have gained their interest they are a highly motivated group, attempting to carry out any tasks given to them. However, repetition and reinforcement is most definitely the key to successful teaching and learning.
Rapport building was also a vital ingredient when attempting to teach this group as they respond well when they feel safe and secure in the presence of somebody they can trust and have a laugh with. A regimented regime would most definitely be a No, No in their case. However, a lesson that is well structured is almost certainly necessary in this case. A lesson that was all over the place would once again lead to the learners feeling insecure in their environment and a break down in teaching and learning would almost definitely occur.
Planning
Planning in learning is very important. For my own teaching I use a scheme of work that helps me to view the session outcomes and resources needed for me to complete my module (refer to appendix one).
From the scheme of work is where we design our session plan for each lesson that we teach (refer to appendix two for four session plan). A session plan is the best way to plan any lesson because it contains information such as the group you are teaching, topic, date, length of session, aims, objectives, resources that you need, tutor activities, learner activities, differentiation methods, learning styles and evaluation of session.
With my session plan it helps me to organize my class and gather my resources in advance so my sessions could run as smoothly as possible.
Learner needs
All learners are different and have their own needs and ways of learning. This could include learning styles, differentiation, motivation and the environment in which learning is taking place.
Learning styles
There are four main types of learning styles; these are activist, reflector, pragmatist and theorist.
Activists - are open-minded and learn through doing
Reflectors - learn through reflection and discussion
Pragmatists - learn by testing and trying out ideas
Theorists - learn by carefully thinking ideas through.
When we plan session plans we need to ensure that all learner needs are met. Learner needs can be identified using questionnaires, assessments, through observation etc.
A variety of teaching/learning methods are used to include all learning styles. A recap will be necessary at the start and each session to evaluate the previous session and to assess the knowledge that has been gained. The teaching/learning methods used will aim to meet the needs of the group of learners with diverse abilities and needs. Teaching methods used are 1:1, small group and role play to allow the learners to work at their own pace and level of ability to differentiate learning needs of the individual learner.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a good method to meet learner needs. Differentiation is also a planned process and involves finding out about your learners. Differentiation is also about trying out new things, understanding and using different approaches and methods to fulfill learner needs. An example of differentiation could be to have an ILO to help tutors assist a class with learners on a one to one basis or as a group. It also involves evaluating the efficiency of activities to help learners achieve their goals.
Environment
When designing learning a tutor should all so consider the environment they are teaching in. The environment where the learning is taking place can also affect learning by: -
Noise
Heating
Layout
Lighting
Room size
Hazards
Comfort
These are factors that teachers need to consider when planning sessions and resources.
Qualities and Constraints of the Learning Environment in which my takes place
The classroom is bright, spacious and well ventilated. The room is comfortable, inviting and well equipped with multi media equipment. The learners can be easily disturbed by others walking past the and waiting outside on the corridor.
Resources
“A resource is a support to teaching strategies which assists learning.”
(Wilkinson 2003)
There are a variety of resources that can be used in teaching; this includes videos, handouts, OHT, flipchart, computers, overhead projector, white board, and workbooks.
We produce resources because they can enhance students learning experiences. Through using a mixture of the abovementioned resources we can ensure that learners needs are being met in order to remember and understand what is being taught to them. Teachers can use resources many times and can make changes to them as and when necessary, for example a handout can be used with many groups.
Justification for the use of resources
Worksheets are used to reinforce information delivered and furthermore to assess the knowledge gained through exposition. (Refer to Appendix 3)
Conclusion
Howe (1993) suggests, “It is easy to say that learning is important, but its very familiarity can lead us to forget how total is our dependence on being able to learn. In and out of school, learning is a major force in almost every aspect of human life.”
Equal opportunities play a key role in today’s society and it is vital for a teacher to treat his/her learners with equal opportunity. Teachers should not treat anyone differently because of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class, disability, age, appearance etc.
Whenever learning is being taken place it should be well planned Teachers need to make sure that learners’ needs are being met no matter what methods and resources they use. Teachers should always remember that learners are all unique and they all learn in different ways.
Bibliography
Curzon L.B 4th Ed, 1990. Teaching in Further Education, Cassel Educational LTD
Howe M. J. A. (1993) A Teachers’ Guide to the Psychology of Learning, Oxford: Blackwell
Wilkinson J. (2003) Teaching and Learning Resources, Burnley College, Unpublished
Woolhouse M,Jones T & Rees M, 2001, Teaching the Post -16 Learner, Northcote House Publishers LTD UK
