I also find that teaching your topic in multiple ways to appeal to different learners helps to add clarification for the other students as well.
Everyone learns differently, so material should be presented in a few different ways.
By understanding how each of your students learn, you can incorporate multiple learning styles into each of your classes. I find that by varying instruction, giving lectures, performing hands on activities, discussing case studies, watching videos, etc. it keeps the students more engaged in the material and also allows for different learning styles to understand and apply the material. I also find that leading questions that require students to regurgitate the information in their own words lets me know that they understand the information that I have given them.
Once the instructor knows the characteristics of his and her students, delivering the instructions will lead to an open discussion among the students and the instructor. The language of the knowledge of content will be clear and understanding for the students.
Understanding student characteristics and needs help structure a learning environment with less fear and frustration for the student. It is also a good way to establish a relationship of support and encouragement for the student. I believe it is empowering when students feel that the instructor really cares about their success in the course and how valuable the students experience can be in the classroom and their ultimate career. Because we learn differently, those differences can be outlined in the instructional planning process in an effort to increase learning based on the assets that each student brings to the course. It can be intertwined in the curriculum to benefit everyone including the instructor. This ensures that everyone's needs are being met.
Arturo,
Yes it will because you will be able to customize your instructional delivery to meet their needs in a supportive way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, knowing the different learning styles of students helps out in lab and the lectures.
Amy,
I think this will be a good move on your part. By addressing this up front in the course you are letting your students know that you know what some of them are thinking and that it is not going to play in your course. This will help them get their minds adjusted to such things a studying, self discipline and other areas of self improvement needed for college success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Amy,
This is a comfortable way to get information from your students so you can understand their reasons for being in class and how to support them. I am sure they appreciate your efforts and see you as their learning leader as a result.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I appreciate your noting this point because it has been a frustrating one for me at times. The sense that their tuition guarantees an A with no effort on their part is perplexing......and one that can be difficult to sway. I actually think I'm going to have to start addressing that, in a subtle fashion, up front, because I don't enjoy feeling like I'm having to push the cart, as opposed to leading it.
I believe acquiring an understanding of a student's background affords an additional facet in understanding their learning process. Along these lines, I have a Personal 411 sheet which I hand out on the first day of class. It asks them questions about themselves and their personal lives as well as questions that deal with their perception of learning and instructors. I refer back to them, periodically, to refresh my memory; it's an invaluable tool in getting to know students up front, albeit a small piece of the pie.
As an instructor, you can make sure that you are using several different approaches (auditory, visual, sensory, etc.) while teaching to ensure that students learning needs are being met.
Zaneena,
Great to hear that you have a new idea to use with your students and expand their learning opportunities. This is what professional development is all about. I wish you much success!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a great idea! My classes are very workbook/worksheet driven, so I have started adding hands-on activities and follow-up with a specific project for the students. It seems to have helped them retain the information better. It seems to allow the different learning styles to be tapped in to.
Antonio,
Well said because the learners are in need to early course success so they know they can be successful in the course while refreshing themselves on being students once again. I use guided notes a lot so these individuals can up with the class while they are learning or relearning how to take notes and pick out key concepts. Once they get settled into the course they start to see how they can use their life experiences to gain growth in the class and have the confidence needed to be a successful student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Individuals learn in different ways. It is important to understand the learning capabilities of your students in order to help them learn.
With Adult learners, understanding how they learn is as important as what they are learning. For those going back to school for the first time in years, paying attention to "how" they learn determines "if" they learn.
Angela,
Good strategy because you are helping the student but in a way that does not put them in jeopardy in the class or with fellow students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Angela,
Thanks for the resource. I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
