Learning Styles
We should also consider the various learning styles of students and how this might influence choices in presenting course content online. It's important to be aware of the different learning styles and recognize opportunities to present information in a different way to help a student understand.
Learning Styles
Visual (spatial) meaning that your students may prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding in which case you might want to incorporate images or graphics in some of your content – this can be done via PowerPoint presentations
Aural (auditory-musical) meaning that your students may prefer using sound and music in which case you might want to include some short audio clips.
Verbal (linguistic) meaning that your students may prefer using words, both in speech and writing which is easily presented in this venue since most content defaults to a text-based format
Physical (kinesthetic) which means your students may prefer using their body, hands and sense of touch. Unfortunately unless you have some hands-on assignments or activities you can develop and then ask your students to report their experiences, may prove difficult to accommodate in this style
Logical (mathematical) meaning that your students may prefer using logic, reasoning and systems in which case you would engage them in dialogue in the threaded discussions using a variety of questioning techniques such as “Have you thought of this possibility? Or “What are your thoughts about…?â€.
Social or interpersonal preferences meaning that your students may prefer to learn in groups or with other people. The eCollege platform allows us to assign group work to accommodate this learning style. Then there’s the threaded discussion where, if you successfully foster a sense of community through the use of something like a peer review requirement, your students will actively add that value-added component to the educational experience for all.
Solitary (intrapersonal) meaning your students prefer to work alone or prefer self-study. This is accomplished via individual assignments such as homework, research assignment, journal entries, or individual projects.
Rhonda, food for thought...you may find this article interesting regarding their conclusion of learning styles: Based upon the most thorough review of experimental studies known to date, which sought to objectively find answers either in support of or against the hypothesis described prior, did not find evidence in favor of the learning styles hypothesis, per se, that learning is more effective when teaching matches the learner’s style†(Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence, Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 2008).
That said, a 2010 article from the Australian Journal of Educational Research stated “research conducted over the last 40 years has failed to show that individual attributes can be used to guide effective teaching practice.â€
The article also concludes "learning styles‘ theory appeals to the underlying culture's model of the person ensures the theory's continued survival, despite the evidence against its utility. Rather than being a harmless fad, learning styles theory perpetuates the very stereotyping and harmful teaching practices it is said to combat†(Australian Journal of Education, Vol. 54, No. I, 2010, 5-17).
FYI...the research has revealed over 70 different learning styles with the preponderance of the research indicating they do not have any effect on learning outcomes. That said, the VAK instruments used to identify one's preferred learning style is a self assessment that has very low reliability and validity. Specifically, the research reveals that most learning style instruments have such serious weaknesses (e.g. low reliability & poor validity) it is recommend their use in research and practice should be dis-continued. Investigations of the properties of a variety of scales have revealed that even the most widely used are inadequate in this regard. (Australian Journal of Education, Vol. 54, No. I, 2010, 5-17).
Also, the findings of this [VAK] research adds to the existing body of discourse and consolidates the belief that learning styles as determined by self-assessment instruments do not necessarily improve performances (Effectiveness of Personalized Learning Paths on Students Learning Experiences in an e-Learning Environment, European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2013)
As an Instructor, we have to be open to all of our students learning styles. That's the advantage students have going on-line. In my opinion, their education is person-centered. Instructors have an obligation to present the student materials in a way that that they can comprehend it. Instructors must be flexible in their teaching techniques.
Good post. Learning styles are quite critical in any classroom environment.
