Theories and Factors That Affect Adult Learning

MTTC Mentoring Web Home

Adults Learner Factors

Factors

Description

Advantage (+) or Constraint (-)

Initial Ideas on Addressing Pertinent Characteristics in the Learning Environment

Age

25-55

Younger teachers know more generally about technology and are less patient. Older teachers know more about curriculum. Pairing together younger to older could help balance

Teaching Experience

0-30

Same as above

Skill Level

poor-intermediate

Same as above

Sex Distribution

99% F 1%M

Women tend to talk more but will have little affect on outcome. Maintain relaxed but focused environment.

Racial, Ethnic Diversity

98%Caucasion, 2%Hispanic

Little affect

Educational Level

Alternative Certified to working on PhD

Very diverse curriculum and school background. Partner carefully with high end learner especially.

Disability or Impairment

None known

None presently known

Developmentally Appropriate

Fits development level

All teachers capable of utilizing the computer and perpherials and curriculum unit development

Prerequisite Knowledge

none-all knowing

Potential conflict and affect between haves and have nots. Online training modules and Step-by-Step Handouts should bridge this gap. Proper grouping is also a factor.

Related Experience

0-all knowing

Same as above

Perception of Role as Student

Teachable to all knowing

Teachers range from low self esteem to overly confident in knowledge

Motivation for Learning

None to Totally

Plan for short focused sessions for requirement and provide extra time for those who want more

Attitude Toward Subject

Disinterest to Totally Interested

Provide icebreakers and hooks to get attention early on and show it can assist them in their classrooms

Expectations from Course

Mixed

This so depends on their previous experience with this type of Staff Development. I will have to be totally prepared for all types. Engage in dialog early to determine their expectations

Competitiveness

Not very and Unknown

We have a lot of new teachers in the district. Not sure of their bents but our existing teachers are not very competitive in the technology related areas.

Stage of Integration

Entry to Transformation

I don't see a lot of actual integration into lesson plans so we will work most in that area

Years in District

0-25

Teachers who have been in the district know me and the, trust me and are positively predisposed to enjoy a class. The newbies don't know me at all. So, the lack of relationship will be a factor. Provide relationship building time in and out of class. The Campus Technology Coach is all well-known and trusted by existing teachers.

Principal

Unknown/Known

One of the principals is totally behind and supportive of training the teachers in technology integration and expects attendance and application from them. The other is new and I do not know her take on this area as yet. The Principal is the Key that keep the door open.

Design and Production Factors

Factors

Description

Advantage (+) or Constraint (-)

Initial Ideas on Addressing Pertinent Characteristics in the Learning Environment

Materials Available

Online Staff Development Portal and Step by Step Handouts

Plenty of materials both online and in print are available for training

Production Equipment Available

Scheduled Lab with 25 computers with Internet Access, Microsoft Office 2000, Data Projector, Pull-down screen available

Schdule Lab ahead of time to ensure ability to use for training

Time for Design and Production

Teachers will need formal group training, informal just in time training and individual personal training on the Online Portal

Some teachers will not avail themselves of the online portal acess. However, everyone will receive the basics and will have a campus technology coach available upon request

Department Technology Requirements

I will be working with the Campus Technology Coach to increase her comfort skill level. I will also be mentoring her in coaching techniques with teachers.

She is very teachable and a quick study in learning besides being a great trainer

Factors	Description	Advantage (+) or Constraint (-)	Initial Ideas on Addressing Pertinent Characteristics in the Learning Environment
Class Size	6-12	+-	Beginning with Grade Level Technology Mentors K-4 - A trainer of trainers model.
Class Period Length	1 - 2 hours	-	Shorter trainings with a focus each time building on to the previous project will be done for teachers. This initial training is for the more advanced mentors.
Location	Scheduled Computer Lab	+	Nice lab designed for Technology Related Staff Development
Seating Arrangement	Two-sided lab	+	No problem with this group. 14 can sit on one side. The other trainings will be by teams and still small enough.
Lighting	Overhead lighting	+	No problem
Temperature	Controlled Tempature	+	No problem
Noise	Only the group noise	+	Little problem
Equipment	Check computers before hand	+	Do work order for any that are not working to satisfaction
Technology Support	Campus Technology Coach available on demand	+	I will also be in the lab for assistance when needed

Factors	Description	Advantage (+) or Constraint (-)	Initial Ideas on Addressing Pertinent Characteristics in the Learning Envirnoment
State Requirements	TEKS for Reading, Language Arts, (SS, Science, Math, Fine Arts, P.E. will come later) and TA TEKS for students and Teachers	+	Will provide teachers access to the information to make sure they know what they really need to know especially in the area of Technology and Technology integration with their students
Employer Needs	PowerPoints will support the TEKS for K-4 Curriculum	+	Supports the PDAS for the classroom teacher and some of the Technology Standards for Teachers
Co-worker Needs	NA
Student Needs	Access to Online Staff Development Portal, Rubric, Curriculum TEKS and TA TEKS, Harcourt TE and Internet site, other subject TEs, Vocabulary Lists for 1st 6 weeks curriculum, MS PowerPoint 2000, Internet, Digital Cameras, Image Editor, Microphones, Headsets, Paper for Storyboard, pencils, pens, markers, Printer access	+	All expectations will be known from the beginning of the project.

Main Topics	Sub-Topics (What Is Involved In Learning Each Main Topic?)	Readiness To Learn (Prerequisites Mastered)	Degree of Learning Difficulty Real/Imagined	Possible Instructional Strategies helpful in reducing the degree of Learning Difficulty
PowerPoint Curriculum Integration Bootcamp for Mentors	Attendance and Good Attitude, No previous PowerPoint Knowledge needed	Intermediate Computer Knowledge; Previous use of PowerPoint	Insufficient Computer Skills Lack of Interest	Utilize the Online Staff Development Portal throughout trainings. Curriculum by six weeks is on District website. Tie to direct classroom application
PowerPoint Curriculum Integration Small Steps for Teachers	Attendance, good attitude, previous presentation from previous training	Basic Computer Skills	Insufficient Computer knowledge and lack of time.	Access to cameras, short mini lessons on video, taking short videos to prepare for last class.