how to find out new students learning styles
so with all this knowledge how do we initialy assess the students learning styles. Second, how do we help them to better develope the styles they are not good at but will need in the work place.
Hi Jane - Thanks for your post to the forum. Having your students essentially "teach-back" is an ideal way to assess their comprehension. In addition, by doing so, retention of the material improves. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have a similar situation for my classes. I've made an effort to incorporate all the styles because I have found that even those who are "getting" the material understand it better when presented in an alternative format. I try to have them act out a process and explain it in their own words.
Hi Oriole- Thanks for your post to the forum. We can sometimes make some assumptions about learning
styles. For example HVAC, Plumbing and Carpentry students are usually more Kinesthetic.Graphic Design and Multi media more visual etc. Still try in every lesson plan to include something for all the styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
We have the students learn their styles in a Intro class. The funny thing is that the teachers are never advised of the styles. This information would be helpful up to a point.
I don't usually know what I am teaching in advance of the quarter, and have to have a lesson plan on file before the quarter begins. Maybe knowing what the main style for each department would allow for some adjusting before the lesson plans were written.
Hi Kelly- Thanks for your post to the forum. Students really are thrilled to finally understand why they learn the way they do (or don't!) Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Thank you for sharing this web site. The first thought that came to my mind was, how do I help students determine their learning style. I often teach first term students so this will be very benefical for them as they begin their education.
Hi Tammy - You are very welcome! I hope that you enjoyed this course. If you try to incorporate delivery for each learning style in every lesson you will be doing an outstanding job! Realistically, I think just trying to do it as often as possible is great. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Thank you for providing this information. Is it a safe rule of thumb to incorporate some portion of each learning style into each class?
Hi Steven- Thanks for your post to the forum. The pragmatic approach that you describe is usually the best way to go with large classes and diverse learning styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
This is especially true with large classes (30 or more). Alternating styles is probably the only way to go. The exception might be with students who are struggling--in this case identifying their style may help them be successfu.
Just as the 4 learning styles are defined, we, instructors, will be able to determine our students needs; it's all a matter of the master category: communication!
You need to study each student to find their best style of learning.
cool thanks alot. this will make things so much smother...
HI David- Thanks for your post to the forum. Here is a Learning Styles Inventory that you can use with your students. http://www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/lsi/lsitest1.html
If you are varying your delivery to accomodate all the learning styles, your students will be gradually learning to adjust to other styles. Usually however, they will be most happy with their preferred stlyle. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
