 |
 |
Learner personality types |
 |
|
All learners are different and should
all be treated as individuals. However, at the risk of
stereotyping, here are some suggestions to help you deal with different
types of learners. Bear in mind that there is more than one
"solution" to dealing with each "type" and that each situation will need
to be handled with wisdom and sensitivity. |
|
|
TALKATIVE |
|
|
|
Interrupt tactfully - perhaps by
making way for another.
Limit the time allowed for
individual contributions - perhaps using an overt method, such as a
timer.
|
|
|
KNOW-ALL |
|
|
|
Use their expertise where
appropriate. (If you resent or try to suppress their contribution
you are in danger of becoming the Know-all yourself.)
Encourage the group to deal with
their theories. This will encourage the group to ask questions and
will ensure that you and "Know all" do not become adversaries. It
will also ensure that "Know all" can support their theories and
opinions.
|
|
|
HIGHBROW |
|
|
|
Do not criticise or belittle.
Ask them politely to explain their
ideas more simply.
Re-state their ideas if
necessary for the group to understand - employing a tactful approach.
("So what you are saying is...?")
|
|
|
POSITIVE |
|
|
|
These can be a great help in
discussion.
Encourage their contribution.
Make sure they do not merely become
"Yes-men (or women)" by getting them to explain their reasons.
To develop their critical faculty,
place them in groups where the task is to argue the "negative case".
|
|
|
QUESTIONER |
|
|
|
Their questioning can be useful as
an indicator of the group level of understanding. (They may be asking
what others are reluctant to ask.)
If it appears that they have not
understood something that the rest of the group appears to have no
problem with - pass their questions back to the group. It may be
that the explanations offered by the group members are clearer than your
own.
If their motive appears to be to
"trap" the tutor, by passing their questions back to the group you will
thwart that intention.
|
|
|
QUARRELSOME |
|
|
|
Do not get involved in
unproductive quarrels (as opposed to constructive argument). As
the tutor, you are
the group facilitator. It may be necessary for you to be an arbiter. But you are
definitely not one of the contenders.
Stop quarrelsome learners monopolising the
group.
Involve the group. ("Yes, I
can see the point you are making. What does everyone else think?")
|
|
|
UNCOOPERATIVE |
|
|
|
Try to understand why they are not
cooperating. If the rest of the group appear to have been "won
over", it is likely that the reason is "external" (work- or
family-related) rather than to do with you and the group.
Recognise their knowledge/expertise.
Value it. Call upon it.
Involve them by giving them
responsibility.
|
|
|
SHY |
|
|
|
Ask them easy (but not belittling)
questions.
Increase their self-confidence by
using praise.
Give credit wherever possible to
show that their contribution (however small) has been noticed and
appreciated. ("That's what X was saying a moment ago.")
|
|
|
UNINTERESTED |
|
|
|
Engage them on a personal level by
asking them about their work/interests/hobbies, etc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|