The challange is how to effectivly breakdown instruction time to cover the differnt learning styles.After finding out the best learning styles for each student the next step would be proper class organization using differnt ways to convey information.
I was astounded at the wide array of learner styles. While I think it will be a challenge to incorporate all of the tactics to aid every type of learner, the benefits of directing the education to learner styles is something to strive for. I have seen many occasions where the same lectures will illicit different retention among the class. Now that I understand that different individuals learn new information through different means I can endeavor to choreograph sessions to impact as wide a group of learners as possible.
The benefits would be knowing how to tailor additional instruction to your students' needs. If they get stuck on something, knowing how to explain in terms of their learning style would make it easier for both the student and the instructor. You would know whether the student needs a demo, a reading assignment, a diagram, and so on.
Bt knowing how each student learns I can tailor the class to hit each style in some way. Sometimes students in a class have a couple of different learning styles, I can use these to customize each class weather demos work better than lectures or using hadouts is better than demos.
I think that being able to deliver information in a variety of ways is very beeficial for students and instructors as well. It allows for interaction,engagement, and better time management. It can help be a better instructor because you are less likely to "lose" as many students during difficult sections and you can move about the room and listen to how they are absorbing the information in teams and groups. I enjoy lecture materials myself, but I love a course that mixes it up and breaks up monotony.
it lets me know what ways to best "reach" my students
i try to speak one one on one with my students and determine what type of learning style is best suited for them.
Hi Gina- Welcome to ED 103! I agree with your conclusion - it really is always best to try to include several different styles in your delivery. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Most of the time you will have to have some sort of plan in place to deliver your class content before you begin the class. You will have to be flexible in your delivery, especially on the first few days as you will be learning for yourself, as an instructor how your students will respond. I think it's best to incorporate several different styles of delivery through class discussion, power points, demonstration.
It will give you the ability to be flexible and break it up a little for the best interest of all.
I think it is very important to know the learning styles of your students because you can't effectively deliver the course material to someone who is not in tune with your message. A student has to be stimulated and motivated to learn.
Hi Fatima - Here is a link to a free learning style inventory that you can try.
http://www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/lsi/lsitest1.html
Susan
Hi Charles - Thanks for your post! It may take some extra time to assess the learning style of an individual student, but, as you mention, it can determine the extent of the student's success - definitely worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have found that finding the learning style of a student that is just not getting the lesson and doing poorly on test as soon as possible can be the deciding factor in whether or not they pass course
Knowing the student is not unlike knowing the audience when presenting an academic paper. In other words, who is the work for? Knowing the learning styles of the student will greatly enhance the teaching experience and the students success.
I do agree that as instructors, we need to taylor our lessons to different learning styles in the classroom in order to maximize learning and subsequently more student success.
I teach French which is knew and intimidating to most of my students. So I strive to make it as easy to assimilate as possible. I stress on practice through roleplay and also visulalization by using different colors on the board when the teaching new grammatical concepts.
I find that this helps my students better understand and retain the material they learn.
By knowing how your students best take in information you can create a more sucessful learning enviroment
By knowing how they learn, I can modify my instruction methods to accomdate their learning process. Otherwise, if they are not understanding the material, then they get bored and retention becomes harder. If I capture their interest, then they will be motivated and have more confidence in themselves.
By knowing the learning styles of your students, the instructor can mold their class to fit the needs of the students in the course. This will help each student absorb the material in their own unique way.
it is very important. with the new generation of students in the classroom, teachers must adapt and be open to delivering course material to their students in many different ways.
