Different Learning Styles
I try to teach in a variation of learning styles. I know that not every student learns in the same way. I learn best in a couple of different styles, auditory, and kinetic. I think that by listening to lecture and participating in class discussion can allow for greater memory retention. I also think that hands on learning allows the students to become excited about what they will be doing in their chosen field, and thus makes them want to learn.
Mary,
With varied instructional delivery students can use their different learning preferences to acquire the content. This way they learn to use their other instructional preferences just as they are going to have to once they are out in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Different learning styles will help encourage and challenge the students to a greater level of learning.
I try to adapt to everyone's personal learning style by incorporating a bit of everything, but I do notice that some will struggle in certain areas--introverts with open discussion, etc. I remedy this by having smaller discussion groups, so that everyone feels more comfortable.
Thanks I needs to try more differents styles.
Kurt,
Well said and I can appreciate your statement about it being challenging as well as fun to help students see the value of the learning the cognitive aspects of their field while acquiring the tactile aspects of their area. I come from the carpentry field so I know how much I like the tactile but also knew I had to learn the academic portion so I would be able to calculate and communicate what I needed to to be successful in my field. If you can show your students the value of having such abilities then it is fun to watch them become proficient in their field of study.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would agree that auditory and tactile seems to work best for me as well. The main reason is that we are a trade school with 70% of our time is in the shop working on projects. Math, blueprints and machine shop theory is our main classroom focus. Finding ways to keep the classroom engaged with primarily kinetic learners can be challenging…..and fun!
Violet,
Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. The more of both you can offer the better. Sounds like you have a clear understanding of how to plan your delivery to keep your students engaged. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
