Week 2
Hello
again! This week's topic is learner attributes and how it affects the learning
process.
Our book does not provide a specific list of learner
attributes but it does describe it pretty well. It states, "It is a fundamental
property of a person's sensory system that is "built in" and that
cannot be changed by learning" (Gagne,
et al., 2005). After doing some research, I found may different sites
and books that label out the learner's attributes. The site that I found that
best described them is called worldwide learner. I labels out 5 attributes and
they are " 1. Self-directed, 2. Inquisitive/Curious,
3. Self-aware/Honest with self, 4. Risk-taking/not afraid of making mistakes
and 5. Open-minded" (Clark, 2012).
I will briefly describe each one and what affects it
has on the learning process.
1. Self-Directed - This is an attribute of a self-motivator.
It is someone who has an internal drive to complete tasks on time or ahead of
schedule. During class this person is one who is able to stay focused and on
task even if the subject is of no interest to them. This is has a huge impact
on the learning process. Staying engaged and focused allows a student to receive
the entire lesson and retain more of it than one that is not paying attention.
2. Inquisitive/Curious - This is an attribute that
can sometimes help the student and can also hurt them. This attribute allows a
person to be engaged and focused when they are interested or intrigued by the
lesson or subject. If the subject is one of interest, the learner with this
attribute will do well. However, if the lesson is not one of interest they may
not be able to focus and will not retain as much information.
3. Self Aware/Honest with self - Someone with this
attribute is aware of their learning abilities. They know what they are good at
and what they are not. They also know what the need to do in order to learn the
presented material. If they are falling behind or do not understand something
they are truthful to them self and seek help.
4. Risk-taking/not afraid of making mistakes - A
risk taker is someone who is willing to take that leap and try something new.
This can be a great success or a huge failure. Most people are timid to put
them self out there and are unwilling to take that chance to looks silly in
front of others. Doing this does not allow you to take advantage of the full
lesson/learning experience in front o you.
5. Open-Minded - An open-minded person is someone
always willing to give new concepts a chance. Being closed-minded and set in
your ways, shuts you down and does not allow you to learn any new material. A close-minded
person will argue against a new concept instead of trying to embrace and
understand it. This can severely hinder learning.
All of these attributes affect the learner and can
enhance or hinder their learning environment. As an instructional designer we
need to consider these and all other learning characteristics when designing
courses to ensure that we provide a positive learning environment for all
students no matter what attributes they have.
Clark, S. (2012) The
5 Attributes of an Effective Learner. Retrieved from World Wide Learn, http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/effective-learner.htm
Gagne, R., Golas, K., Keller, J., Walter, W.
(2005). Principles of Instructional Design 5th Edition.
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage learning.
