Focus on individual needs

Scenario

Focus on individual needs

The Learning Challenge – Narative

Groups of adult learners are not homogeneous. They involve people with different abilities, experiences, from different backgrounds. It is important for the educator/trainer to find out the skill level and needs of each member of the group. It is time consuming, but without the knowledge of the students, any teaching can be ineffective

Solving the Problem: Activities for Learning Groups

Title of activity

Case study

Working on the activity – Suggestions

Each adult learner has an individual experience. If a student has experienced many setbacks, it may be that they are no longer self-confident, underestimating their abilities and abilities. The teacher’s task is to help the learner to find his / her strengths, the way and form of learning that is acceptable to him / her. Participating in group activities provides an opportunity to share your good experiences and benefit from the successful experiences of other group members. Depending on the subject matter, case studies (and stories) may be presented in written or verbal forms, or even through the medium of film or song, depending upon cultural appropriateness and the background and level of the learners. Case Study exposes learners to situations they might not ordinarily xperience in their own lives; exposes learners to similar experiences elsewhere to enable them to feel a sense of solidarity and validation with respect to their own experiences.

Title of activity

Test it, probably you can? (how to overcome prejudices “I can’t,” “I will fail”)

Working on the activity – Suggestions

The aim of the activity is to understand the needs of each student and his / her learning situation. Guiding questions step by step help to clarify the learner’s situation and difficulties. Together with the teacher, the learner discusses realistic, clear learning plans with a defined intended outcome. Interim results are discusssed. The plan is adjusted if its if necessary. Each stage overcome must motivate the learner to take the next step.

Solving the Problem: Self-reflection (educator’s reflection)

Reflecting on the Problem Solving measures taken to overcome the challenge
Attention to each learner, setting individual learning goals, objectives and intermediate outcomes and discussing intermediate outcomes (progress made) allow the educator to see the outcome of the chosen learning method. The learner must receive ongoing teacher assistance as well as individual counseling. This is a time consuming method suitable for small groups. Especially suitable for people with various learning difficulties.

Reflecting on the changes in the group dynamics
The individual progress of each group member has a positive effect on the achievements of the whole group. Being able to know your powers and abilities, share and get good experiences increases the motivation of each group member.

Reflecting on personal change
Identifying individual abilities and needs is very important for every learner. An experienced educator / mentor helps to better understand and reveal individual powers. Constant help, the creation and implementation of a real, overcome plan strengthens self-confidence, has a positive effect on the learner’s emotional state.

Points for Discussion with your Organisation

n/a

Suggested Training Course available online