Knowing the learning styles of ones students will allow both the instructor and the students to gain maximum fulfilment from the instructional material. Instructors feel great when students "gets it." The high is unbelievable when we see the lights go on in the student's eyes so they are willing to use multiple media to accertain maximum learning advantage. Further, when students are successful, we gain brag rights. My greatest joy is seeing my former students practicing in professional roles in the community.
Different students respond to different approaches to teaching. It is important to change the delivery every 25 - 30 minutes and to try and incorporate each of the learning styles in my classroom. I will be more attentive to this when teaching my next class and try not to teach in the style that is most comfortable for me.
It is important to know the different learning styles of your students because students learn and absorb information in different ways. it is important to utilize all of the different learning styles in your classroom. It is also helpful to identify the different learning styles of the students in your class. From this class I learned to not use the style that is most comfortable for me but to use a variety of learning styles in my classroom.
There are four different learning styles of students. Auditory, written, visual and kinesthetics.
The auditory learning style learns best by lectures and listening. The written style learns more by reading content information. The visual style learns more by using visuals aids such as power point presentations and the kinesthetics learning style integrates cognitive information and physical movement. Kinesthetics is also known as tactile activities.
Hi Kim - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, the more we can vary our delivery, the better we can address the diverse learning styles of our students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
ALTHOUGH WE HAVE A WHOLE CLASS WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE STRENGHS OF ALL THE SINGLE STUDENTS SO THAT WE CAN APPROACH EACH ONE ON PERSONNAL ABILITYS AND FORM OUR CLASS
knowing the learning styles would help the new instructor to diversify his/her methods of teach to accomodate the full range of learning styles, this will help to reach out all the students on different levels.
It is very important to know the learning styles of the students because you can help them according to their needs abd ways to learn, some students prefer to see and hear, etc, in those cases it will be very helpful to use power points. To get this knowledge is going to help me to be a better instructor since I will be able to assess each students according to his way to learn
Knowing the learning styles of the students helps the instructor get bettere prepared for class. Seeing for bright or motivated the students are gives the instructor a sort of guide for teaching the class.
This makes it possible to structure my presentation of content so it not only is accessible to my students, but also provokes discussion and questions to advance learning.
Adapting to different learning styles allows for better reception of information. This is essential in the education process.
Different learning styles should be used so that all students can be reached. It would not be fair for me to focus on one style.
Hi Willian - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, adding all the elements that you mention will indeed increase the engagement of your students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Greg- Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing some great ideas for addressing the diverse learning styles! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
By knowing the learning styles of my students, it allows me to incorporate different ways of teaching so that everyone can understand and comprehend. It also allows for students not to get bored and lose interest quickly.
It is important because each student learns differently. Therefore, your lesson should meet all learners.
Once you know what learning styles you are dealing with, you can tailor your method of presenting material to best suit their method of processing information and learning. For instance, if you have a visual learner you could have a PowerPoint presentation with pictures and graphics, or you could show a short film dealing with the material from the syllabus. For auditory learners a short lecture (considering adults have a 15-18 minute attention span). For written learners you could have them write an analysis of a case study, highlight important points in your presentation, etc. If you have the type of course that lends itself to it, for the kinaesthetic learner hands-on manipulation or demonstration of a physical device. There are obviously many more ways to present material to each type of learner, but the key is knowing what the mix in your classroom is, being cognizant of their dominant method of learning, and presenting course material in a way that is most relevant to them.
It just goes han in hand. If you do not know your students learning styles then you will be unable to meet your students at their comfort level and you will not be teaching to them in the style in which they are most able to learn. You will not be effective with their learning if you are not incorporating their particular style of learning into your type of teaching. Having this knowledge and using it into your teaching style is going to make learning for your students much more effective.
Being able to evaluate and adapt to different students' learning styles is intrinsic to enabling student success. I've enjoyed reading all the commments on this thread! Clearly this is a topic close to all instructors' hearts.
I teach English and composition, and I have found, particularly with lower language skill students, that having a daily formative quiz that is tailored to the day's lesson is very helpful for the students. I started doing the quizzes at the request of a student, so I do encourage polling classes to see what is successful for them. In college, many students are self-aware about their learning styles and will communicate that to you!
I believe by asking quality questions about the subject matter and trying to ask why will help with getting to know your new students and to start off on a good foot.
