Finding Your Frame of Mind
What are your results from the 60-second assessment question? Which of these is your favorite frame of mind? Briefly discuss the difference between learning in your favorite mode (easiest) versus your least favorite (hardest) mode.
Justin, it's such a positive thing to know your learning style. It helps in comprehending how others learn who are different. I would love to be a learner in your class.
Michele Deck
When I performed the 60 second assesssment question I saw a picture of a red apple with the word "apple" printed beside it. That fits my learning stlyes; Rainbow and Jabber. I prefer to see and experience new things (visual and kinesthetc), but I also love to read. I learn best when I am able to combine all of those things - vs. just hearing something.
I am terrible at remembering names when people just say their name, but if I can see their name printed somewhere when I meet them i will remember it.
I found that I have used a combination of the styles of learning in order to learn a specific skill or subject. By using a combination of the styles you can thoroughly learn the subject. For example, learning how to play golf involves listening to instructions verbally, reading about different techniques, maybe looking at videos, and actually going out to the golf course and learning by touch. You can't learn golf just by using one style of learning. In my opinion, students also have to be open to adapting different learning styles in order learn.
I did the 60-second assessment question and I see the word "apple". I love to read (it's my FAVORITE hobby) and I loved going to lectures when I was in school.
I have a little bit of the "Loner" in me and I don't typically like group activities and therefore I struggle with assigning group activities in my class (although I do give them group presentations). I tend to avoid classes (if I'm in school) that require group activities. I like to be alone when I'm working. I guess I'm more of a Loner/Jabber learner.
Jessica, thank you for sharing your observations about your style.
Michele Deck
Christina-Rose, I am intrigued that you are using poetry. It is the variety in teaching that makes learners focus and engage.
Michele Deck
Vanessa, you have proved to yourself that certain methods make it faster and easier for you to learn something. That personal awareness will make you a better teacher.
Michele Deck
When I did the 60-second assessment question, I already knew what the outcome would be. I am a visual learner or Rainbow. I pictured the apple when I was reading the content of EN312.
I would say my least favorite would be Jabber because I did not like reading my textbooks (surprise surprise) especially before class. But I did read them because I knew it would help be to be better prepared.
Jabber and Rapper are my favorite frames of mind. It's difficult to incorporate music into the classroom, so I've used poetry as well. They are my most difficult to teach to as I am very visual.
I know that I am a visual person. I would immediately see an apple either it be the fruit or the technology. I would also see how I would use the object which makes me a hands on learner as well.
My least favorite way to learn is on my own. I like to have a teacher so to speak instead of trying to figure it out soley on my own. I can do this style but I like a reinforcer when it comes to certain subjects.
Mohammed, assessing is a key step int he learning process, if you plan to gear your teaching to what makes your students successful.
Michele Deck
that can help me to have a general asseeement of the class on how to apply my style of teaching on learning methods.
Margaret, it is amazing to teach such "experienced and vocal" learners. I recognize that they are high attention needs people and seek to find ways to give them the attention in a positive way.
Michele Deck
My least favorite learner is one that I call "been there, done that". Every class has a student that knows someone or has had every disease and surgery we discuss. They have a tendency to lead the discussion off course. I have found that calling on other students for feedback helps get us back on track...for the moment.
Alison, you have brought up an important point. One must have a complete knowledge and comfort with the content to feel confident using a different method than lecture.
Michele Deck
I am definitely a visual learner, but I am also an Integer. I would want to know why on earth I am thinking about an apple. I also wish someone would have told me that in school.
I typically lecture with lots of pictures but try to do an activity or reinforce the lecture with something else if I can think of one. I also allow for breaks since class runs 2 hrs. I do a lot of interactive questions with the class to get them thinking.
I have noticed that as I am more comfortable with the material, I have an easier time coming up with other ideas to reinforce / teach something in a different learning style.
Jacqueline, Loner takes his own road to success. If he is passing the course with good grades, he may choose not to interact and that's okay. I never force involvement on a successful learner.
Michele Deck
I agree that it depends on the course I am teaching. I am both auditory. visual learner . So I tend to find those who learn the way I do are my favorite. My least favorite is the Loner, there is very little participation and I never know if there is any learning going on until the exams are given and then I am surprised to see that the Loner has in fact learned.
Melissa, you can operate in a variety of frames of mind and that ability is a great gift for your students.
Michele Deck
