Learner Analysis

I feel that in order for successful instruction to take place you have to beware of your target audience. I find myself dealing with this all the time when I am doing my instructional planning for the week. As a media specialist I work with different grade levels so I present different skills different ways depending on the age and capablities of the group I am working with. There are certain concepts or library skills that are taught at each different grade level, so what is developmental appropriate for each grade level is considered as well. I travel between four different schools and so deal with different types of population that bring to the table different experiences. A learner analysis, although not an exact science ,is important. You don't want to present concepts that is above your target audiences head or that they can't relate to in any way. You have to be aware of how the learner may react to the instruction or apply or use it. I never thought about making sure the basic human needs of the learner take place before any instruction is begun. I know this is why schools offer breakfast and reduced school lunches. You can't keep your mind on what is to be learned if you are hungry or thirsty. I like Mager list for collecting data on the target audience. It is understandable and easy to follow. I never thought about considering why someone is taking a course(their motivation). In the school population you mainly deal with I have to take this as opposed to I took it for my own enrichment or because it would move me up in my career. If I consider the main reason I took this course is because it is a required course within my program and the reason I'm in the program is to move up in my career choice. There is a lot to consider when you consider your target audience, but they are important to keep in mind in order to make your instruction successful.