Learner Characteristics Creating Diversity in the Classroom

I. Digital Natives
A. Expect control
Students prefer to have some control of their education. In giving students options, on which
assignment topic to discuss, will give them a feeling of self-control.
B. Instant interactivity
Students must stay busy these days and feel entertained. They want to start immediately on their
learning. Having an active activity related to the days topics will keep them from being bored and
will excite them about the days learning.
C. Not passive
Students these days are out spoken. Instructors must earn the respect of their students. This is no
longer a given and cannot be taken for granted that you will have it.
D. Prefer texting
Students prefer being on the go. Text messaging allows them to "take short cuts" with the English
language. Email is considered to formal. This is not necessarily a positive characteristic.
E. Multi-taskers
Students would prefer to interact and network with others, which is why discussion threads and
instant messaging are positive components to a curriculum and class structure.
F. Non- linear processing
As with the fast-paced society, students want short cuts. They want to be able to process and
administer the task as fast as they can.
G. Instant gratification/rewards
Students want to be able to use technology to locate information instantly. You can use the
computer, cell phone, i-phones. With online assessment they want to receive instant grading.
II. Digital Immigrants

A. Slow control
Students prefer small amounts of information at one time. They want to be able to absorb and
understand before moving to a new topic.
B. Limited resources
These students would prefer to have a central data base for information. The more self contained,
the more confident they are in their abilities.
C. Passive
Students will give immediate respect to the authority figure. Students will not challenge any
information or direction given. At times it is hard for the instructor to know if the student
understands the material s they may not ask for assistance.
D. Prefer textbooks
These students would prefer the standard mode of instruction. They have a text that they can
highlight or make notes for references. They will have notebooks and be well organized.
E. Singular processing
These students prefer to do one item at time. Once this item is accomplished they will then move on
to the next task. They want complete closure before moving forward.
F. Linear processing
These students like the step by step process. They want to know each step and what the steps
function is. With this they feel they have complete knowledge of what they are doing.
G. Patient for reward
These students are willing to wait for grades. They understand the context of hand grading material.
They are willing to use a dictionary versus the Internet.
III.Generation Gaps
A. Traditionalist
89-66 years old

Prefer the traditional classroom setting. Show respect for the Instructor and prefer straightforward
learning from a textbook. They gravitate to the online environment.
B. Baby Boomer's
65 to 47 years old
They are non-authoritarian. They like interaction and networking to increase their human database.
They will view participants as equals and feel that knowledge is power.
C. Gen-Xers
46 to 33 years old
GenX'rs are self directed in learning. They are personable and want to have fun in the learning
process. They like to role play and use simulated versions of learning. They require lots of visuals,
graphics and stimulation.
D. Gen-Y'ers
32 to 27 years old
A GenY'er likes to have cooperative learning. They want a structured environment and consistency
in the structure. They want less stress and expect marketability with their learning. They are
creative, like games and want more job aids related to the learning process.
E. Millenniums
26 and younger
Millenials want information that is technology based. They like the online learning so they can be
mobile. They like wiki's, Facebook, blogs, and lots of peer interaction. They have or want all the
newest technology and expect to use it in their education.
IV. Brain-based Learning
A. Emotions

In todays society there are more single parents and added stress. Students bring that stress with
them to the classroom. In a traditional classroom you can observe any behavior and speak to the
student. In an online classroom you may have to read between the lines in their emails and or
discussion threads to tell that something may be affecting their work and or behavior.
B. Spatial memory
Spatial memory is our cognitive memory. This is our recognition of information stored in the brain.
Include games, quizzes, role play to help increase the spatial memory to activate needed
information. Flash cards and memory games linked to your curriculum are fun and they learn
without realizing it.
C. Rote Memory
Rote memory focuses on memorization. This is repetition of learning. This is accomplished by
assignments, multiple choice questions, fill in the blank. What I like to do with my students, I will
ask the same question three different ways on an assignment. Each time they should come up with
the same answer. This teaches them that each person may ask a question a different way, yet the
answer should always be the same. They are having repetition without realizing it is repetitious.
V. Environment
A. Cultural diversity
As instructors we must keep in mind the different ethnic cultures that are in our classrooms, be they
online or the traditional style. Understanding body language is one of the more important aspects. In
some cultures it is an act of disrespect to look into the authoritarian figures eyes. We must also
make the attempt to learn and pronounce our students names. In the traditional class room setting
even knowing the bathing culture can be an issue with other students.
B. Accommodating disabilities
Learning your students and being prepared are part of good instructions. You may have to make
accommodations for wheelchairs, a deaf student, and times even for a blind student. We must also
not for the the student with learning disabilities. In regards to learning disabilities, you may have to
issue a total online exam to paper, or extend the time should it be a timed test. We should also take
into account students with test anxiety. Work with student again with paper or extended time.
C. Room temperature

Some students prefer to use online learning as they can go to school in the pj's. Unfortunately we
cannot control the room temperature in most cases. Discussing this and preparing your students will
be an important factor. A student who is either freezing or hot cannot concentrate and absorb the
work they should be focused on.
D. Available Technology and Supplies
As instructors we should insure that the material is ready before the class starts. In the traditional
setting be sure you know your student count and have supplies ready for at least additional 3 to 5
students. Insure that you have working equipment for any hands on activities you have planned.
There is nothing more frustrating than to need supplies and you do not have enough. Students tend
to lose respect for an ill-equipped instructor.
VI. Learning Styles
A. Auditory
Auditory learners are people who learn best by listening. They enjoy lectures, will take notes, ask
questions and do well in an audio inclusive online setting. It is thought that 20 to 40 percent of
learners are audio. They enjoy public speaking and will be the first in class to read their report.
B. Visual
The visual learner needs written information. They do well with textbooks, diagrams, and flow
charts. They will succeed with PowerPoint lectures. They like to take notes and will ask questions.
C. Kinesthetic
It is said a smaller part of the population is kinesthetic. They learn better through touching and
doing the process. They like to imitate what they are learning. They do well with hands on style
lecture. It is my opinion that the more technology based we become, we will discover more students
are kinesthetic learners.