Gardner says that these differences "challenge an educational system that assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning. Indeed, as currently constituted, our educational system is heavily biased toward linguistic modes of instruction and assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative modes as well." Gardner argues that "a contrasting set of assumptions is more likely to be educationally effective. Students learn in ways that are identifiably distinctive. The broad spectrum of students - and perhaps the society as a whole - would be better served if disciplines could be presented in a numbers of ways and learning could be assessed through a variety of means."
Carolyn,
They have to be able to see themselves in the work place. If they can't their transition to work is going to be challenging. They need also to see relevancy in the content and how it can be applied. Class activities should help this process to become second nature to them while in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agreed that learning should be fun, but also engaging every student is important and it is important as well for the students to see themselves in the work environment actually using the information and knowledge. In that sense they can readily see the value and the worth of the information and therefore it becomes easy to process and to store.
Katie,
I really like the way you balance the different learning methods in your course. This way you are reaching all of the students' learning preferences at different times throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mindy,
Yes, it does take some work and planning but the results are worth it. When you know you have nailed it and that your students have really gotten the information you shared you have such a great feeling. This is the feeling that brought you into teaching in the first place and it is great when you can capture that feeling on a regular basis.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach IT courses, and these courses involve lectures, reading, group work, individual work and practice. I always incorporate all learning styles in my classroom. For example, while showing a power point with pictures/graphics (visual), I also explain (auditory), and then have students demonstrate (kinesthetic) to ensure all students grasp the new concept.
I feel that it can help you realize that there is no "one size fits all" method of teaching. I find that for myself, I am more energized when I plan for teaching stragities of the different groups. It is hard the first few days of each new term with new students until you have a chance to observe the new students and figure out their intellengences, then I can go to work and change some things up. Mindy Smith
Being able to teach one subject to multiple intelligences can be tricky. Alot of the time I will do the middle of the road teach. I won't focus on any one type of learner, but try to mix all types in one lecture/demonstration.
You could apply a multi media/ multi facet approach to your instructions based on the students assesment.
LaToya,
The more we know the more choices we have from which to offer instruction. This way we can customize our instruction for the current group of students and enhance their learning opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This can be determine by providing students with a multiple intelligence assessment. Once discovered, teachers should play of each students strenght in class as much as possible; meaning teaching in multiple methods to help students understand the basic concept of a lesson. This affective strategy will ensure that every student is learning effectively in class.
you want to reach all learning styles so noone is left behind. Knowing the diffent learning styles will allow me to change how I introduce difficult skills they need to learn
Lisa,
Let me know how your effort works with your students. Musical students are learners that like rhythm, sequence and order in their learning process. So the more we can help them to have such the higher their content retention will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with while you are assessing the MIs of the students, the information should have a fun aspect. I do see how some students struggle when the initial information is given only verbally. I do relay the information in other ways especially if I notice negative feedback. I must admit that a musical element to the learning process, had not crossed my mind. I am going to try it to see if it has an measurable effects on my students.
Dale,
Learners like a routine so they can plan their learning efforts within certain activities or time frames. You have made your instructional plan clear to the students and they can then work within those time frames. Reduces uncertainty and frustration.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Wendy,
I agree with your analysis about learning styles. As learners we have preferences but we are able to learn in other modes. As instructors the more variety we have in our instructional delivery the more opportunities we have to engage our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a set routine for my technically based class. Each day begins the same, with a short (15 min) introductory lecture on the days subject matter. At lectures end I turn on the radio and allow the students to begin work on the days project. We have a class break schedule that is also routine and the students are alowed to work until the break. Afterwards I continue the lecture and perform demonstration on the components we are studing. Upon completetion of the second break my students finish the days project and we review key topics at the end of class.
I think it's important to remember that while we may have a preferred learning method, most of us can learn at least something in other modes. None of us are completely one way or the other in out preferred learning styles or anything else.
I've just finished reading a couple of fascinating books on introversion. One of the points made by both authors was that none of us is either totally an introvert or an extrovert, and that the amount we exhibit is situationally dependent. I think the learning styles are similar.
Raghda,
Good point because you can target your instruction to meet the needs of your students and keep them engaged at a higher level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding different learning methods would help me address the diversity in the classroom. Knowing that; I would prepare different teaching methods that suit different learners in order to maximize their learning.
