How to quickly recognize learning styles in new groups
I always have a hard time remembering that my way of learning is not best for everyone. What are some things that can be done to more quickly identify learning styles in a new group of students? I guess asking the students might be a way to find out. Thoughts?
Hi Eural - thanks for your post to the forum. I am glad that you found the learning styles information useful! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Being able to recognize learning styles is helping me target and encourage students that had previously considered them selves as slow learners. I whole-heartedly agree that having them take the on line assessment would be beneficial as well as enlightening. It was for me.
When I have had students use learning assessments
it seems to empower them. I remind them that the human brain is amazing and that they can learn in many styles, even if information is not always presented in their preferred style. Crystal Berntson
Thank you for all the information, as a new instructor I hope I can use this to may benefit Thanks again.
I definitely agree with this. The person who learns the most is the one who can open his/her self up to any learning style. Course curriculum should be presented in a variety of learning styles in order to keep it interesting and to allow it to sink in deeper.
Hi Jacob,
I use the student picture page. I make notes about each one and this has been a great help.
Look at the examples in the module especially under the topic "Sensory Modalities". Also look at the ideas from experienced instructors which are also in this Module.
well my question is how to tailor the material to the style once you recognize it?
At the beginning of every new quarter, I ask the students to tell me a little about themselves. You know, where they're from, why they're at the school, etc.
While not outright asking them about their "learning styles", I can informally assess the students and find a way to better serve them.
That said, I always forget about their differences and have to always remind myself periodically to teach to the students' strengths.
My only conern here is that I keep a perspective. When we ID a persons "learning style" we need to keep in mind that it is actually a preference not a requirement. We all learn using variuos styles, it's just that we all tend to prefer one over the others. I wouldn't want a student to say, well I'm a visual learner and then not listen as closely as they used to or shortchange any other learning style. Don't want them to "lock in" on one and ignore the others.
i also think it is a great idea to have them work with the a assessment
Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the course itself also hereditarily attract certain types of learners. I work in an automotive school. The majority of our students are kinesthetic. I do find that our courses are set up mainly for kinesthetic and written learners. I try to add more for visual and auditory while still following the standards set by our institution.
I like the the idea of giving the students an assessment like this at the begining of a course, I think it would help me alot. I always seem to figure it out, but it takes a while with some of them. This might be a good way to speed that process up so I don't lose their attention quickly.
I feel that the learning styles self assessment is pretty good in letting the student understand their own learning style and giving the instructor a heads up on where his or her students particular learning style lies.
I think it would be a great idea to atleast experiment with the assessment.
I tried the online assessment and it works very well. I am curious now to learn the style of my students and I will have them take the assessment during my next class.
I think the online assesment would work, alternatively, we use a complete package here at UTI, it's called (what else)? Learning in styles Inventory, and it is the same basic thing, but in greater detail.
How about having them take the online assessment of learning styles that is in this course?
