Learner Characteristics

Learner characteristics are what each individual learner brings to the learning process. According to Dick and Carey learner characteristics include entry behaviors, prior knowledge, attitudes toward content and delivery system, academic motivation, education and ability levels, learning preferences, attitude toward organization, and group characteristics. Information about the learners is gathered by using several methods including observation, interviews, surveys, and focus groups. The information collected will provide a list of the learner characteristics that will aid the designer in formulating decisions concerning objectives, instructional strategies, motivation, and assessment. One instructional design model developed by John Keller focuses on the motivation of the learner is based on the four aspects of: attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction, thus known as the ARCS model. Keller suggests that the ARCS model should be used as a framework to analyze learner’s motivation, as well as, designing instruction to address learner’s interest. Keller believes that once a learner’s attention is lost, motivation is lost, and learning does not occur. He therefore believes that the key to good instruction is to know learners and their motivation for learning.