I like to get feedback from my students as to what works best for them. They generally know if hands on works best, if lecture and going over information repeatedly helps, etc, They get to give input on how they feel they learn the best and it helps to get the whole class on board since we do not have an effective evaluation test here at our school.
I really enjoyed reading this subject matter because I have been incorporating all the sensory modalities except for kinesthetics. Now I have realize that the 10% of students that I was not getting through to may be kinesthetic learners. I must be careful not to isolate these students in groups, because they may perceive this as being discriminatory.
knowing the learning styles of my students has a key role in identifing the best methods to use overall...the ideal strategy is to blend all teaching styles to accomodate all the students involved.
I have some students that sleep through a powerpoint but are excited when we get up and do an activity that requires movement. I have some students that I can explain the answer to multiple times, but won't get it until I show them on the board. If I give my students the learning style survey, I won't have to waste time wondering which type of learner each one of my students are, and can spend more time being in tune to their learning style.
Knowing the students' learning styles helps you develop different ways to present classroom materials that benefit your students.
The benefits of knowing your student's learning styles would help them have a better understanding of course materials presented and ultimately lead to success in their field. I think it would be helpful to do a learning assessment the first day that I have a new group of students. Often I do not start having them in my classes until three months after starting their program. I recall a student early on when I first began teaching that had much difficulty reading. I did not know this and I was having the students take turns reading parts of a procedure out loud prior to performing it. When it was this particular students turn to read, they really struggled. The other students and myself helped her through it. I know we all felt uncomfortable. I have never made everyone read out loud again. I now ask for volunteers if we do any reading. Had I done a learning assessment tool I may have avoided this.
Absolutely, Israel! Our students will need to be able to adapt to different styles in their careers as well. Susan
If we are only using one style we are missing a great deal of our students, by combing the styles we can hit all of the students with the information. It kind of reminds me of working smarter not harder. If you are teaching to only one learning style those that don't use that learning style may miss out entirely on the topic. I use Turning Point a lot, you hit multiple learning styles with Turning Point, visual they can see the slides, autoriy they can hear the slide being read, hands on can benefit from clicking and being involved.
Hi Israel - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, making the effort to adapt your delivery to the learning styles of your students is very worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Adjusting to different learning styles will increase the effectiveness as an instructor because it will help more student to perform above their baseline level as they are exposed to a wider spectrum of teaching styles.
A benefit to knowing the learning styles of students will allow me to expand on my lesson plans to help each student in whatever way I can. As the students become more comfortable with me, they open up when I ask what else I can do to help them gain the most knowledge from me they can. I think touching on the different learning styles will help me become a more well-rounded individual while teaching. This gives me the opportunity to present class material in many ways such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, in-class activities, and review games.
When I started teaching I planned the whole module in advance. Since I began to read about learning styles I only prepare the first class and depending on the learning style assessment results I decide which type of activities I'll need to schedule for the following weeks.
The review of the instructional benefits helps me to pay close attention to the diverse learning styles of each student. This assists me in developing the appropriate mix of teaching styles so that each student benefits and gains the knowledge necessary to move forward.
By knowing the learning style of the student, you are able to reach them before they fail a course
Hi - Ehtesham - Thanks for your post to the forum. I do not know what courses you teach, but as you mention practice is important. Also try to add variety to your lectures by maybe adding a video clip, using a short powerpoint, and stopping to ask some questions and get a discussion going. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Evelyn- Thanks for your post to the forum. Absolutely- teaching to the diverse learning styles is so worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Knowing, teaching to, and providing opportunity for your student to learn through his primary and secondary learning styles is the key to successful education!
Hi James- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that often students do have a good idea about their learning styles, but for those who don't an inventory is essentiam. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Knowing the learning styles of our students helps us to prepare for the different learning techniques of the student so we can better teach them and they will pick up or learn the material easier. This allows the student to have more confidence in the instructor, realizing that he or she is getting the one on one help that they crave.
Knowing the learning styles allows me to appropriately vary my teaching and presentation style so that I can hit all of the present learning styles in the room with better and faster results...
