Variety in the Classroom
When I am preparing my lesson plans for each class, I try to be aware of the different learning styles, and as much as possible I try to include at least one item in each lesson that will accommodate each learning style. for example, I might lecture on a topic (auditory), while I have a PowerPoint presentation showing (visual), have the students write a 1-minute paper on the topic (written), and then have them actually practice one of the skills presented (kinesthetic). Of course, this is made easier, in some respects, because I am a medical instructor, so there are always new skills we are learning or practicing.
Debra,
I am a medical instructor as well, and include lecture, powerpoint and clinical practices in my classroom setting. I love the idea of having the students write a 1 minute paper on the topic of discussion for the day. What a great way to wrap up a day of learning. Thank you for the great idea.
Good review for the student as well.
Hi Bruce - thanks for your post to the forum concerning teaching to the learning styles. I could not have said it any better!! Susan
I've witnessed a little bit of reluctance upon the part of some teachers to integrate different styles of teaching into the classroom -- "It's too much work" or "It gets too confusing" are often cited as reasons for not adopting different styles. Perhaps there's a grain of truth in such complaints, but at the core these people are more afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones than afraid of increased work. For example, writing up lesson plans for a new class probably will take about the same amount of work for any style you choose, although addressing all learning styles probably will add a little more work at that stage. At any rate, it's a little more effort, but the rewards are exponentially greater as well.
Hi Loren - From your post you seem to be running a dynamic classroom. By mixing up your delivery you are reaching the different learning styles. Do you use any videos in your classes? That would be great for the visual learners. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I teach a course in career management- resume writing, interviewing, etc. I use a number of different vehicles in this instruction- handouts, dry erase board, my own and class interjected anecdotes, questioning, lecturing with book as supplement. There is not enough time to develop styles relevant to each student. Use of a variety during the ten weeks will have to do. Since it is a course on career preparation, it is also a reality check. The employer is not going to grace the new employee with a breadth of learning modes. Prepare them but don't coddle them. Those that don't hang may not be right for the opportunity because we won't be there to pick them up and dust them off.
Hi Debra- Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing how you plan your lessons to reach all of the learning styles - great job! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi John - Thanks for your post to the forum. Can you tell me more about the "Legal Systems" course?
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I am really glad you included the last sentence in your comment. I teach in the paralegal program and addressing the various learning styles can be challenging. Fortunately, I am teaching Litigaion this quarter. Litigation is very hands-on (kinesthetic) with creating various forms used in Litigation. Of course, as with all paralegal classes, much lecture (auditory) is involved, which I try to enhance with white board diagrams, powerpoint slides, handouts, etc. (visual). Again, in the paralegal progrm, writing is an essential part of any course (written). The problem comes with courses such as American Legal Systems which challenge the kinesthetic learner. I welcome suggestions.
