learner analysis to accompany information literacy unit

1. Learner Analysis 1
Running Head: Learner Analysis
Assignment #1
Learner Analysis
Nicole Wingate
Georgia Southern University
FRIT 7430

2. Learner Analysis 2
Goal: Information Literacy Standard 2
The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and
competently.
Indicator 1. Determines accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness
Indicator 2. Distinguishes among fact, point of view, and opinion
Indicator 3. Identifies inaccurate and misleading information
Indicator 4. Selects information appropriate to the problem or question at
hand
1. Group of Learners:
My target population is a group of thirty one students in a Ninth Grade Literature class.
The class is made up of eighteen females and thirteen males. My try-out learners are a
group of fifteen students; nine are female and six are male.
Learner Characteristics:
Students were given a survey to indicate the information below. They also participated in
a short interview with me when they turned the survey in. The following two charts give
the results of both the survey and interview.
Student Gender Race Age Education Favorite Subject Least Favorite Time Per Socio- Interests
Subject Day on Economic
Computer Status
#1 Male African 17 11th grade Math Social Studies None Low Sports, Music
(repeating class)
American
#2 Female Caucasian 14 9th grade English Social Studies 4 hrs Low Bowling,
Roller-Blading
#3 Female African 14 9th grade Gym English 4.5 hrs Average Basketball,
American Computer
#4 Male Caucasian 14 9th grade English Math 1.5 hrs Low Skateboarding
#5 Female African 14 9th grade Social Studies Math 9 hrs Average Music, Class
American Officer
#6 Female Caucasian 14 9th grade Math Science 7 hrs High Sports
#7 Male African 14 9th grade Math Science .5 hrs Average Sports
American
#8 Male Caucasian 15 9th grade Science English 1.5 hrs Average Golf
#9 Female Caucasian 15 9th grade Math English 5 hrs Average Hanging Out
#10 Female African 14 9th grade English Science None Low Reading, Track
American
#11 Female Hispanic 14 9th grade Science Social Studies None Low Music, Roller-
Blading
#12 Female Caucasian 14 9th grade Science English 1 hr High Socializing,
Cheerleading
#13 Male Caucasian 14 9th grade Baseball Science .5 hrs Average Baseball,
Hunting
#14 Female Caucasian 15 9th grade English Math 1 hr Low Music, Drawing
#15 Male Caucasian 14 9th grade Social Studies Math None Average Baseball,
Hunting
Learning Group Learner Characteristics Summary
Learner Characteristic Class Results
Gender Male: 6
Female: 9
The class is predominately female, so the try-out group is comprised of a
majority of females.

3. Learner Analysis 3
Race Caucasian: 9
African American: 5
Hispanic: 1
The racial make-up of the try-out group represents the racial make-up of the class
as a whole. The majority of students are Caucasian, with a large minority of
African American students, and a small minority of Hispanic students.
Age 14: 11 students
15: 3 students
17: 1 student
The majority of students in the try-out group are fourteen years old. A few are
fifteen and getting their learner’s licenses. Only one student is over fifteen.
Education 9th graders: 14
11th graders: 1
Fourteen of the fifteen students are first time 9th graders. One student is an 11th
grader who is repeating the course.
Favorite Subject Math: 4
English: 4
Social Studies: 2
Science: 3
Other: 2
There is a wide variety of “favorite subjects” in this group of learners. Therefore,
this indicates a wide array of interests. The teacher should always try to make
connections to real world experiences and other subjects because of this variety.
Least Favorite Subject Math: 4
English: 4
Social Studies: 3
Science: 4
There is also a wide variety of “least favorite” subjects. This should also be
taken into consideration by the teacher so that she does not lose students.
Time Per Day on Computer None: 4
½ hr – 2 hrs: 6
2 ½ hrs – 4 hrs: 1
4 ½ hrs – 6 hrs: 2
More than 6 hrs: 2
There is a wide range of computer interests in the class also. While some of the
students do not get on a computer at all, other students spend hours a day on one.
Therefore, the teacher needs to remember that all students will be entering with
different entry level computer skills. Even of those who do use the computer, the
majority does not use it for research purposes, but instead use it for social
networking, games, etc.
Socio-Economic Status Low: 6
Average: 7
High: 2
The majority of the learners have average socio-economic status, but a large
amount also have a low socio-economic status. The teacher needs to consider
this when planning for resources that students may have access too. These
resources can be material resources or experiences that students draw from.
Interests The students have a variety of different interests. Again, it is important for the
teacher to remember that her students are very diverse and that appealing to these
diverse interests motivates the students and gets their attention.

4. Learner Analysis 4
2. Multiple Intelligences:
The following three tables give the information collected concerning the learners’
modalities, entry level skills, and special needs. Again, this information was gathered
through a survey and interview.
Student Modality Strength Social L.A. CRCT Skill Entry Skills Special Needs
Preference Level Info.
(8th gr. Test scores) Literacy
#1 Intrapersonal Works Alone N/A Below N/A
11th grader, did not test
previous year
#2 Kinesthetic/Intrapersonal Works Alone Meets Below N/A
#3 Kinesthetic Work w/ Peer Exceeds Average N/A
#4 Interpersonal/Musical Work w/ Meets Average ADHD
Teacher
#5 Interpersonal Work w/ Peer Meets Above N/A
#6 Interpersonal/Musical Work w/ Peer Meets Average N/A
#7 Interpersonal Work w/ Peer Meets Average N/A
#8 Interpersonal Work w/ Peer Does Not Meet Average ADHD
#9 Interpersonal Work w/ Meets Average IEP-Mild
Teacher Learning
Disability
#10 Kinesthetic Works Alone Does Not Meet Below Behavioral
Disorder
#11 Visual Work w/ Does Not Meet Below Limited English
Teacher
#12 Interpersonal/Musical Work w/ Peer Meets Average N/A
#13 Musical Work w/ Peer Meets Average N/A
#14 Visual Works Alone Meets Average N/A
#15 Interpersonal Work w/ Peer Exceeds Above Gifted
Since the different intelligences are not isolated, several students displayed strong
tendencies in a variety of intelligences. The top three learning modalities for each
student are marked below.
Student Visual Interpersonal Kinesthetic Musical Verbal Intrapersonal Logical
#1 X X X
#2 X X X
#3 X X X
#4 X X X
#5 X X X
#6 X X X
#7 X X X
#8 X X X X X
#9 X X X
#10 X X X
#11 X X X
#12 X X X
#13 X X X
#14 X X X
#15 X X X

5. Learner Analysis 5
Learning Group Multiple Intelligences Summary
Student Trait Class Result
Dominant Modality Strength Visual- 2
Interpersonal- 8
Kinesthetic- 3
Musical- 4
Verbal- 0
Intrapersonal- 2
Logical- 0
Students display a range of dominant learning modalities. There are
fifteen students in my try-out learning group, but some students scored
equally high on two modalities. Therefore, the numbers above total 19.
Because there are so many different learning strategies preferred in the
classroom, it is important that many different approaches are taken for
instruction.
Social Preference Prefers to Work with Teacher- 3
Prefers to Work Alone- 4
Prefers to Work with a Peer- 8
The majority of learners prefer to work with someone else. However, a
small group prefers to work alone, and an even smaller minority values
constant feedback from the teacher. Therefore, lessons should be
designed and implemented using a variety of grouping techniques.
CRCT Scores Does Not Meet Standards- 3
Meets Standards- 9
Exceeds Standards- 2
No Data- 1 (Student is 11th grader so did not take the CRCT the previous
year)
Most of the students met the standard expectations on the Language Arts
CRCT the previous school year. However, three did not earn passing
scores, and two earned exceptional scores.
Entry Level Skills-Information Literacy Below- 4
Average- 9
Above- 2
From previous assignments and interview responses, it was determined
that nine students possessed target entry level skills. Four students were
below the desired level, and two students were above the target entry
level.
Special Needs Gifted- 1
Learning Disability- 1
ADHD- 2
Behavioral Disorder- 1
Limited English- 1
Six students have special needs that require accommodations to some
extent. One student is labeled as gifted. This student is very intelligent,
motivated, and learns fast. Another student has a learning disability
with and IEP. This student requires remediation and works slower than
others. Two students have been diagnosed with ADHD. They take
medication for it and require frequent breaks. One student speaks very
little English and requires much of the material be presented in Spanish.

6. Learner Analysis 6
The survey that I used to analyze the learning modalities of my students came from learning-
styles-online.com. It was one of the resources listed in our class PowerPoint presentation. It is a
seventy question survey that analyzes student responses and classifies them under various
modalities. The students completed the survey, turned it in, and I entered their responses online.
The website then calculated their dominant learning modalities based on their answers. The
survey is included at the end of this report. A completed survey with the results page is also
included. The survey showed that I have a wide range of learning strategies at work in the
classroom. Therefore, it is important that information be presented in various ways throughout
the unit. There are many ways to address several modalities at once, and these strategies should
be used. One example of this would be a PowerPoint presentation (for visual learners), that I
narrate (for verbal learners), and that students take notes on (for kinesthetic learners). Activities
and lessons that use various learning modalities are best for this class.
3. Special Needs
In this class, I have several students with special needs. I have students with minor
learning disabilities, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, behavioral disorders, and
one gifted student. Therefore, a variety of accommodations will need to be made. The
following accommodations are planned for learners. (Accommodations planned for
students with limited English have been included in the following section,
Cultural/Ethnic Needs.)
Students with Learning Disabilities – A variety of accommodations will be made
to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. Many of the following
suggested accommodations are addressed in the student’s IEP. Accommodations
include:
- Graphic organizers that will be available for students with learning
disabilities to help them connect, organize, and record new information.
- Students with learning disabilities will be given additional time to
complete activities.
- Students’ work will be broken down into smaller, more manageable
portions
(Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, 2001).
Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – the following
accommodations will be made for students with ADHD.
- Students will be given seats that will limit the distractions available for the
child.
- Distracting noises will be minimized in the classroom.
- Lesson parts will be given in small chunks.
- The teacher will frequently “check-in” with the student throughout the
lesson or activity, to make sure they are on track.
- The teacher will insure students understand directions by having them
repeat directions before beginning the assignment
(Massachusetts General Hospital, 2006).

7. Learner Analysis 7
Gifted Students – Gifted students will need to be challenged throughout the
course to ensure that they do not become bored or lose interest. The following
accommodations will be made for gifted students.
- Gifted students will be given open-ended questions to stimulate higher-
order thinking skills.
- Teachers will develop lessons using Bloom’s Taxonomy, making sure that
higher-level thinking skills are required in several activities.
- Gifted students will be able to “skip” activities they find “remedial” for
more meaningful and enriching activities
(McGrail, 2005).
Students with Behavioral Disorders – The following accommodations will be
made for students with behavioral disorders.
- Teachers will set consistent behavioral expectations and enforce them.
- Teachers will communicate effectively with parents to make sure that the
behavioral expectations set are consistent at home and school.
- Teachers will establish cues for students to signal inappropriate behavior.
- Teachers will encourage and reward appropriate behavior
(Watson, 2003).
4. Cultural/Ethnic Needs
The cultural makeup of this class is very diverse. In a class of thirty-one students, there
are twenty Caucasian students, eight African American students, and three Hispanic
students. In the try-out group there are nine Caucasian students, five African Americans,
and one Hispanic student. The three Hispanic students in the class speak very little
English. Therefore, this will affect my instruction in several ways. To ensure quality
instruction, cultural awareness, and appreciation among all of the students teachers can:
1- Have the assistance of a teacher certified in ESOL accompany the Hispanic
students to class to provide additional assistance to them with the language
barrier. She can also assist me by translating work written in Spanish and
help me understand characteristics of their language that may transfer over
into English written work (Davis, 2002).
2- Use cooperative learning groups often in the classroom. This will give the
students opportunities to work and interact with students of different
backgrounds and cultures, helping them to create a classroom community that
is open and inviting to all cultures. These groups will be monitored closely to
ensure that all behavior is appropriate and on task (Merlino).
3- Use translation software to assist students who speak Spanish. Handouts can
be translated into Spanish. Also, lecture outlines can be created in Spanish
that help students follow along and understand material during lectures
(Imagiforce).
4- Ensure that classroom content and material include culturally diverse material,
and students are guided to learn about and respect various cultures. This way,
all students, regardless of their cultural background, feel comfortable in the
class. To be able to do this effectively, teachers first have to make sure that

8. Learner Analysis 8
they have become knowledgeable of the various cultures that are represented
in their classrooms (Merlino).
5. Motivational Strategies
For the students to take something away from this lesson, it is important that they are
motivated to actively participate in the learning process. Teachers should use the ARCS
Model to motivate them.
Attention: The teacher will begin by asking students to write a journal entry
about a time that someone spread a rumor about them that was not true. They will
write about how they felt because of the rumor, what happened to them and others
as a result of the rumor, and if the truth ever came out. The teacher will then let
students share their journals with their ones and twos partners. This is a situation
that every ninth grade student can relate too, and it’s something they’re interested
in. Therefore, the teacher has hooked their attention. The teacher should then
explain that untrue statements and ideas can be found in various resources, also
(the internet, magazines, etc.). We’ll relate how important it is to know the
information in those resources is true to how important it was for them that their
friends knew the truth when they were being gossiped about.
Relevance: The teacher will have students examine an article on the topic of
their choice to see whether it is reliable or not. That way, they can see that
information literacy is relevant in their everyday lives because they have to be
able to examine the information they come into contact with daily. That way,
students understand that all information they encounter should be examined for
accuracy, not just information they gather for school reports.
Confidence: Students will be presented with an essential question the first day of
the unit that points out the primary purpose – to learn how to evaluate information
effectively. Therefore, students know their goal from the beginning. Students
will have the opportunity several times throughout the unit to examine various
different articles for quality of information. There will be different levels that
students will work at, based on their entry level skills. That way, students will
start the process with success and be confident during the rest of the unit. Some
possible activities for different entry level learners include:
- Below level learners: Learners are given four articles, and are told to
label two as reliable and accurate and two as unreliable. Students then
know how many articles of each category they are looking for.
- At Entry level learners: Learners will be given four articles and told to
label them as reliable or unreliable, not knowing how many of each
category there are.
- Above Entry level learners: Students will be asked to find two articles in
the media center that are reliable and two that are unreliable. The articles
must all cover the same topic.

9. Learner Analysis 9
Satisfaction: Students will work through the research paper process, beginning
with finding information that is reliable, up-to-date, and on topic. Therefore, they
will experience the satisfaction of accurately evaluating resources as they write
their paper. The teacher will give feedback regarding all sources before they
begin writing their paper.
Technology resources
Various technology resources would prove beneficial for this group of learners. Many of
them acknowledged spending extended time on computers. This knowledge of how computers
work would be helpful in completing online research for articles. Also, databases such as
Galileo would be helpful for these learners. An LCD projector and screen would also be
beneficial for working through searches with students.
Students would also benefit from the use of cd players and televisions where short
interviews or lectures could be presented. Using these different forms of technology would
appeal to the various learning modalities, such as visual and auditory learners.
And finally, software used to translate handouts and lecture notes would prove to be
extremely beneficial for the Spanish-speaking students. All of the various forms of technology
used could also work to motivate learners within the lessons.

10. Learner Analysis 10
Name ______________________________________________________
Note: Answer each statement in the following manner:
0 - the statement is nothing like me
1 - the statement is partially like me
2 - the statement is very much like me

11. Learner Analysis 11
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12. Learner Analysis 12

13. Learner Analysis 13
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14. Learner Analysis 14
21 You like listening to music - in the car, studying, at work (if possible!).
22 You can balance a checkbook, and you like to set budgets and other numerical goals.
23 You have a number of very close friends.
24 You use lots of hand gestures or other physical body language when communicating with others.
25 English, languages and literature were favorite subjects at school.
26 You like making models, or working out jigsaws.
27 You prefer to talk over problems, issues, or ideas with others, rather than working on them by
yourself.
28 Music was your favorite subject at school
29 In school you preferred art, technical drawing, geometry.
30 You love telling stories, metaphors or anecdotes
31 You like identifying logic flaws in other people's words and actions.
32 You like using a camera or video camera to capture the world around you.
33 You use rhythm or rhyme to remember things, eg phone numbers, passwords, other little sayings.
34 In school you like/liked wood or metal working, craft, sculpture, pottery
35 You have a great vocabulary, and like using the right word at the right time
36 You like the texture and feel of clothes, furniture and other objects.
37 You would prefer to holiday on a deserted island rather than a resort or cruise ship with lots of other
people around.
38 You like books with lots of diagrams or illustrations.
39 You easily express yourself, whether its verbal or written. You can give clear explanations to others.
40 You like playing games with others, such as cards and board games.
41 You use specific examples and references to support your points of view.
42 You pay attention to the sounds of various things. You can tell the difference between instruments,
or cars, or aircraft, based on their sound.
43 You have a good sense of color.
44 You like making puns, saying tongue-twisters, making rhymes.
45 You like to think out ideas, problems, or issues while doing something physical.
46 You read self-help books, or have been to self-help workshops or done similar work to learn more
about yourself.
47 You can play a musical instrument or you can sing on (or close to) key
48 You like crosswords, play scrabble and word games.
49 You like logic games and brainteasers. You like chess and other strategy games.
50 You like getting out of the house and being with others at parties and other social events.
51 You occasionally realize you are tapping in time to music, or you naturally start to hum or whistle a
tune. Even after only hearing a tune a few times, you can remember it.
52 You solve problems by "thinking aloud" - talking through issues, questions, possible solutions etc.
53 You enjoy dancing.
54 You prefer to work for yourself - or you have thought a lot about it.
55 You don't like the sound of silence. You would prefer to have some background music or other

15. Learner Analysis 15
noises over silence.
56 You love the theme park rides that involve lots of physical action, or you really hate them because
you are very sensitive to the effect the physical forces have on your body.
57 You draw well, and find yourself drawing or doodling on a notepad when thinking.
58 You easily work with numbers, and can do decent calculations in your head.
59 You use diagrams and scribbles to communicate ideas and concepts. You love whiteboards (and
color pens).
60 You hear small things that others don't.
61 You would prefer to physically touch or handle something to understand how it works.
62 You are OK with taking the lead and showing others the way ahead.
63 You easily absorb information through reading, audiocassettes or lectures. The actual words come
back to you easily.
64 You like to understand how and why things work. You keep up to date with science and technology.
65 You are a tinkerer. You like pulling things apart, and they usually go back together OK. You can
easily follow instructions represented in diagrams.
66 Music evokes strong emotions and images as you listen to it. Music is prominent in your recall of
memories
67 You think independently. You know how you think and you make up your own mind. You understand
your own strengths and weaknesses.
68 You like gardening or working with your hands in the shed out the back.
69 You like visual arts, painting, sculpture. You like jigsaws and mazes.
70 You use a specific step-by-step process to work out problems.

16. Learner Analysis 16

17. Learner Analysis 17

18. Learner Analysis 18

19. Learner Analysis 19

20. Learner Analysis 20
References
Davis, Barbara Gross. (April 2002). Diversity and complexity in the classroom:
Considerations of race, ethnicity, and gender. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from
http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/diversity.html
Massachusetts General Hospital. (2006). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Retrieved September 19, 2008, from
http://www.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/info_adhd.asp
McGrail, Laura. (2005). Modifying regular classroom curriculum for gifted and talented
students. Prufrock Press Inc. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from
http://www.prufrock.com/client/client_pages/Modfying_Curriculum.cfm
Memletics Learning Styles Questionnaire. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/questions.asp?cookieset=y
Merlino, Rob. Addressing cultural diversity in the classroom. Helium. Retrieved September
18, 2008, from
http://www.helium.com/items/169369-addressing-cultural-diversity-in-the-classroom
Translation Software-Translate Foreign Languages. Retrieved September 19, 2008, from
http://www.translationsoftware4u.com/
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center. (December 2001). The learning disabilities
adaptations and accommodations guide. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from
http://www.aelweb.vcu.edu/publications/LDGuide/
Watson, Sue. (July 2003). Best practices for behavior disorders in the classroom. Retrieved
September 20, 2008, from
http://specialed.about.com/cs/behaviordisorders/a/Behavior.htm