Working with various learning styles
I've been fortunate in using my own experiences as a student to be open to student's different ways of opening their mental channels to information. I have often drawn or doodled while listening intently to an instructor. There was a time when I thought this was 'wrong', that I was being frivolous, but I have come to realize that it worked well for me and so now, when I see students drawing in class as I lecture I don't comment on it or ask them to 'pay attention'. I accept that this is just a way for a student to focus that traditional educators might consider as disrespectful or apathetic.
Hi Alice, A "little bit of everything" is a good strategy! Susan
Susan Polick
I have found that with my classes I adopt some form from each style. The content is the subject is rather dull, so I have used visual, auditory and hands on. My students seem to like this style as it is a little bit of everything
This is an interesting observation. I have extended class times with alot of material that needs memorization. I can see how 'fidgeting', is not disrespect but differences in learning.
I have found that the students that I work with in my math classes prefer visual/kinesthetic as well. In math, students tend to dislike it because they cannot manipulate it. Therefore, I always have to show and prove my answers.
Hi Dorethea- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job of having students learn concepts, but also practicing the application of those skills. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
To be an effective instructor, we need to cater to the "Sensory modalities" of each student. Most of the students I have worked with prefer visual/kinesthetic being that I teach in the cosmetology industry. This can be fun for both student/instructor, which benefits both parties. The students are getting the knowledge (theory/written) and the practical (tactile) experience which is imperative for their careers. It's a win-win teaching experience.
I like to doodle too. It doesn't mean I'm not listening but being a kinestheetic learner myself, I need to keep my hands busy. I move around the room quite a bit, so sometimes I'll even comment on some!
I agree with you John, I allow my students to do the same as long as they can answer questions on the subject that I am teaching or repeat what I said in their own words or maybe help bring out a point more clearly, this tells me they are listening.
Hi Susan - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, for kinesthetic learners, activities like "doodling" are really necessary. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have been to quick to stop someone from doodling. I found later that the student needs to fidgit, possibly the ADHD type person. My own son has this and there are ways to allow them to burn that excess brain energy and listen at the same time.
My class is alot of hands on, the proof is in the pudding!
