Mixed Learning Styles
Best method of delivery for a classroom of vastly mixed learning styles?
Hi Heather- Thanks for your post to the forum. It is a fact that having students write down information they are better able to retain it. I am a great believer in outlining because it forces students to make connections within the information. Outlining efectively is a skill however, so we must also teach our students to outline effectivly. Susan
Hello,
I will have my students outline chapters - this helps the learners that need to read and write, then they also get the information through the lectures.
HI Kristina - Thanks for your post to the forum. You did a great job of explaining the importance of learning styles and how instructors react to them. Great work! Best wishes- Susan
I think that it's safe to assume that in any class the students' learning styles will be mixed. Even if one style is dominantly preferred the instructor should not cater to that preference. By using a variety of teaching styles you will hit every student's preferred style and force other students out of their comfort zone. Though most people have a preferred learning style, it doesn't mean that they are incapable of learning other ways.
In my classes we do have mixed learners and the best approach for me since I have to do a demo everyday. Is while I am lecturing using a powerpoint I also stray off of the power point to give additional information but not information that will be on the test. While I am lecturing I work my demo for the day into the lecture and the demo is also what the students will need to replicate for the day for their daily grade. By doing this I have satisfied evryform of learning. I do allow the students to stand or take notes any way they need to that works for them.
Hi Aaron - Welcome to ED 103! With mixed styles, the best delivery style would also be mixed. Use visuals , some lecture, some demos, videos, PPT, etc. Best wishes! Susan
