I want to make sure that each student is grasping the concepts and objectives that the course outlines. I have students from different age groups so I try to use styles that may be effective to all. From powerpoint presentations, group discussions, gaming interaction, and the use of films.
I want to make sure that each student is grasping the concepts and objectives that the course outlines. I have students from different age groups so I try to use styles that may be effective to all. From powerpoint presentations, group discussions, gaming interaction, and the use of films.
By using a method or approach that matches the student's learning style, the learner becomes more comfortable and responsive to the instruction and is more engaged and motivated. Therefore learning is more effective and happens easier and faster. More of the information is retained.
Once they enter the workforce, students may not always be able to access information in the manner that they most prefer. Auditory learners may have to plow through a lot of written material for a report for their employers. So, its better for them to learn how to use other methods of getting the information they need while they are in school.
It's difficult to present information to meet the needs of students with each of the four learning styles. My discipline is analytical, so its easier to present the information lecturing, using visual aids and assigning readings. That seems to leave out kinesthetic learners. However, when I was a student, I found that taking notes while I read the text, and writing out the answers to sample questions helped me to improve my understanding of the material. I make it a point to suggest that method to my students.
Each student learns in his/her comfort zones. In order to accommodate on a personal level, the course materials need to encompass the needs of the students on hand. By utilizing a PowerPoint while lecturing the instructor is assisting both the visual, written and audio learners that need the reinforcement of the information in that manner to understand or comprehend key concepts and theories.
By verbaly instructing first(with power points)followed by a demonstration giving them a visual instruction,then letting them perform the procedure with hands on seems to cover the styles that gives them the best understanding of the material.
Hi Nikki- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you say, taeching to our students' learning styles eliminates frustration and does improve retention. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
because learning is based upon completing chains of information that lead to application
Approaching students with different learning tools,keeps the student interested, shows concern to accomodate student learning styles and keeps the student retention rates high.
The more approaches and resources the instructor provides, the better the chances the student has at succeeding and understanding the material.
Hi Michael- Thanks for your post to the forum. You really don't need to include delivery styles that met every learning style in every lesson. Just try to vary your delivery as much as possible and you will be doing an excellent job!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As an instructor we want all of our students to be successful and continue with their education. If you provide different approaches and learning styles for your students you are providing them with the tools to pass your class and future classes. We need to support and encourage our students.
It can also be hard to tweak your lectures to different learning styles when you have 25 students in a class.
Hi Carol- Thanks for your post to the forum. For your visual learners, I would definitely use videos and projects that are creative. Anyone else have some ideas? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I totally agree. Even though, it is hard to carry different learning styles concurrently, I don’t think it is the intention anyway, by switching gears from one style to another and doing different type of activities, I think we can keep everyone happy.
Sometimes we put our noses to the ground trying to prepare for the next day's lesson, that we don't jump back and analyze the best method for the student. This reminds us of the tested approachs that amplifies the result for the student.
I am teaching a fashion history class to a group of visual students who have to take the class and are in their first year of college. I am looking for different methods to get through the chapters without being so predictable and yet able to give them a grade for the class. Any ideas?
Hi Charles- Thanks for your post to the forum. As long as you keep the diversity of your students' learning styles in mind as you formulate your lesson plans you will do a good job of varying your delivery. Composition is a tough one, especially for the kinesthetic learners. You can, for example, set up games and teams to move sentences written on posterboard with velcro attached behind to see which team comes up with the best format for an essay. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As a Composition Instructor I, too, struggle with how to accomodate the different learning styles. I can appreciate that lectureonly goes so far before students' glaze over, but some concepts do seem to demand this treatment. I've been trying to mix class methods to keep it productive for everyone. At least I'm aware of the issues.
It is the function of a teacher to 'teach' the student, and while it would be nice if all students learned in the same manner, they do not. So, a teacher has to know what it takes to get the message across to a wide variety of student learning styles in order to accomplish their goal of 'teaching'.
HI Steve- Your post clearly portrays the value of teaching to the learning styles - excellent! Susan
