Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Niles,
Good information for instructors trying to identify in a general way the learning preferences of their students. This will be of great help them I know.
Gary

Niles Charlet

First, I ask the students. At the start of a new class, I give out a sheet for each student to answer and I ask this very question. I give them examples to choose from. Like, are they visual- do they need pictures and me to write on the board.

Students answers vary and you can go from that.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi David,
I think this approach is great. I use it a lot in my classes. I will lecture over a topic, we will discuss it and then I put the students into small groups to do case studies and then report out their findings to the class. This method enables the students to use their newly acquired knowledge as they talk with group members and then share their conclusions with the class. The sharing helps them to gain confidence in their abilities to communicate effectively with others and this includes even the shy students.
Gary

David To

Hi Gary,

what about problem based learning? whats your opinion of breaking students in small groups and posing a question or topic for students to research and then ultimately present to class?

Thanks,
David

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi David,
There are a number of different learning preference assessments that are available for faculty use. I would talk with your school's instructional resource director to get some help in selecting one. Another general way is to survey your students and ask them which is their preference for learning new material. They will let you know they like to listen (auditory), read (written word), view (visualization) and/or do hands-on (tactile). By getting this information you can quickly see how many students you have in each group and then plan your instructional delivery from there.
Gary