Becoming diversified
Finding and utilizing effective tactics that correspond with each learning style is definitely important in classroom presentation. However, it is just as important for students to be able to learn regardless of what learning style is being used by the presenter of that new information. The learner will undoubtedly at some point have to grasp new topics in their professional careers that will be presented in a style that may not be their preferred learning style.
Hi Robert- You are doing a great job of taeching to the learning styles. As you mention, students will need to know the "Whys" as they encounter different scenarios in their career. Susan
Teaching technical material to artistic students can add a new dimension. Most artistic career students (photography, graphic design, audio/video) tend to learn best by doing - obvious when learning a program like Photoshop or a skill like drawing. But the real trick is to explain why certain options lead to good/bad results - they often don't want to learn the "why", just the "how". I often have to go from lecture to projects to visuals then back to lecture and projects before the students grasp the significance of what I am explaining. It has forced me to include just about every learning style I know in my presentations.
Hi Judith - Thanks for your post to the forum. You do need to consider ALL the learning styles of your students but that does not mean that you must adjust your delivery to ALL the styles, ALL the time. Once your students know their learning styles you can give them suggestions for the best ways that they can study. You can also emphasize that they will need to adapt to others' styles in their careers because not everyone is the same. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I completely agree with this. I find it difficult to approach and teach all course material with ALL learning styles considered. I want to be diverse but sometimes its not possible. What is the best way to get students attentive to their learning style and be open to others if necessary?
The first part of my comment highlights the importance of diversified delivery style.
I agree. You have present info in 3-4 different ways within a single lecture in order to make sure the information is being received and absorbed by all the different learners.
HI Neil- Thanks for your post to the forum. You make a good point - when our students go out and into their careers they will need to adapt to other learning styles. However, when they are our students, our job is to get them to digest as much information as possible in a short period of time so, by mixing up our delivery style they will experience their preferred style at least part of the time. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
