Theories and Factors that Affect Student Learning:Learner Characteristics

♥ Resource for mentee and a ! is a challenge for mentee.

Age/Academic range

 ! This 5^th grade classroom consists of students is relative year-age range but the academic range of the students vary around 5 years. This inclusion literacy classroom has GT students that are literacy advanced and special education students that are 3 grades behind in literacy skills.

Related Experience

Exposure to literary tools, such as figurative language, varies in this classroom because of the cognitive developmental stages of the students and literacy habits at home.

Figurative language contributes to understanding of literary nuances with growth as one moves to formal thinking. Our class products will show the gradations of understanding figurative language.

Content

Technology

♥ We have to tier the lesson to keep the literacy savvy students interested and move the less-savvy students along to understanding.

We keep in mind the goal of each student contributing to an anthology.

♥ Varies with the socio-economic spread of our students. Very much an issue.

Build tiered learning helps for the constructivist classroom to promote independent learning as much as possible.

Perception of Role as a student

♥ Successful academics vs. those who ‘don’t get it’ very quickly.

! Student success is independent from academic success. Can build good student perception by providing the right tools.

Attitude toward subject

! Past experience, learning styles, and personal interests affect attitude toward this topic of learning.

! Past experience, perceived level of expertise, and comfort with classroom environment affect attitude toward completing the project.

Environmental Factors

♥ Resource for mentee and a ! is a challenge for mentee.

Content

Technology

Design and Production

♥Excellent library resources for reference, thorough knowledge of topic

♥Computers and software, binding machine, good paper

!Lacking accessible color printer, time and resources to build skills for mentee

Implementation

♥ Students will come to the lab prepared and with necessary materials to complete the project

♥ Lab facilities are excellent

! Mentee will need an adult to help with technical questions while she works with the students

Outcome

♥ Excellent outcome for students for content learning required to meet state requirements and excellent affective learning is viewing project upon completion

! Student needs will be met, my concern is smooth implementation of technology aspects to support mentee