Two recent studies by Cengage Learning identify the four unique types of students enrolled in STEM education courses, and the three types of instructors who teach them. From self-reliant doers and resourceful strugglers to tech-savvy instructors, find out which group matches your personality!
LEARNERS
30% TASK COMPLETERS
Who are they?
- Mix of full-time and part-time students
- 21-24 years old
Traits:
- Confident in their math ability
- Self-reliant in their courses
- Grade-oriented
- Set aside a single block of time to study each week
What’s most important?
- Task-Completers want help studying for upcoming tests/exams and to easily complete assignments required by their instructor.
27% HELP SEEKERS
Who are they?
- Full-time students
- 20 years old
Traits:
- Find math difficult
- Struggle with recall from prior courses
- Only have time to study for less than an hour a few times each week
What’s most important?
- Help-Seekers want to store and access their personal notes from class as well as collaborate with their peers.
24% SELECTIVE SEEKERS
Who are they?
- Full-time students
- 19-20 years old
Traits:
- Make time to study between 1 and 2 hours per week
- Struggle with recall from prior courses
- Find instructors engaging
What’s most important?
- Selective Seekers want to check their grades, access instructor lecture notes as well as view and read their book online.
19% STRUGGLERS
Who are they?
- More likely to be part-time students
- 25 years old or more
Traits:
- Find math difficult
- Reliant on laptop for their courses
- Dedicated studier in first 2 weeks of course
- Frequently go to instructor and tutor when stuck on a homework problem
What’s most important??
Strugglers want to know what they’re doing wrong, and receive help identifying prior knowledge gaps, and personalized support.
EDUCATORS
29% High Engagers
- Actively try to understand how well students are understanding material at all stages of the course
- Often use PowerPoint slides
- Regularly require students to hand in their work
34% Selective Engagers
- Plan to increase use of online tools in the classroom
- Intrigued by potential cost savings of online tools
37% Traditionalists
- Primarily teach lecture-based instruction
- Use whiteboard or chalkboard
- Want an efficient way to deliver tests online
