The seven most common learner states are:
- Curiosity/Anticipation: Curiosity expressed by a tilted head and furrowed brow; anticipation expressed by leaning forward and little blinking.
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- Disappointment: Expressed by looking like a blow-up toy that has had some of the air let out: posture slumped horizontally; also, eyes tend to look down.
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- Fear: Expressed by a hunched posture or sitting low in chair. The learner seems to be trying to become the smallest possible “target”; eyes are cast down or sometimes glancing about as if seeking the nearest exit.
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- Apathy/boredom: Expressed by slumping horizontally, eyes fixed into space.
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- “Self-convincing” or “I get it!” moment (a.k.a. “knowing they know”): Expressed by a big inward breath and a shifting of weight, usually in an excited rocking motion.
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- Confusion: Expressed by physical asymmetry, like a head tilt; possibly by a hand covering the mouth.
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- Frustration: Expressed by more extroverted personalities in pen-or foot-tapping, knee jiggling, pacing, and the like. More introverted personalities will express through tightened jaw, lips, neck, or shoulders.
To best understand states, try acting out physically how you behave when you feel the above sensations. Do you slump, lean forward, fidget? What is your face doing? Your breathing? Well, guess what? Other people around the world physically express these states the same way you do! In other words, your learners are constantly and clearly conveying to you which states they are in at any given moment. Cool, huh?
Use these states to adapt your learning style
Lien: Enseigner