By learning about the character of each and everyone of my students in the beginning of all my classes.
There are many learning styles that I use in my classroom. Students enjoy visual learning expecially powerpoint slides. They are fascinated by colors which helps to keep their attention on the subject matter.
Samuel,
Excellent point. Students may have a preferred learning style, however they have an ability to accomodate the additional styles that may be presented to them. This adaptation, primarily depends on the diversity of the instructional approach. If an instructor is willing to try several innovative methods of instruction, the student will have an opportunity to explore different learning styles.
Tremayne Simpson
I think the diversity of student learning styles dictates that one must bring variety in the selected mode of delivery for any course. Teaching four-hour courses, my lesson plans are developed to the hour and include exercises that enable students to build upon there optimum learning style - but to learn and participate in other learning styles as well. I combine didactic lecture via PowerPoint using interactive questions, group activities, videos, live Internet activities, hands-on labs, etc.
I think most adult students may have a preferred learning style, but everyone adjusts their style to the situation and environment. For example, even a visual learner will adjust their style when reading a textbook to "visualize" the material. Keep the delivery varied and interesting will make addressing individual learning styles in an environment that holds student interest.
Identifying students' learning needs and styles
throughout the duration of the course is important
input in lesson planning because I am able to
prepare activities and strategies to address
diverse needs.The teacher has to continuously
assess and evaluate students learning and should
be able to come up with interventions to
enhance learning and retention.
Shannon,
I have used similar activities, with my students as well. Providing collaborative opportunities in the classroom, not only creates an inclusive and active learning environment, but it can also serve as an assessment tool for the instructor. Observing students while they are working in the groups, can give an instructor an idea of how well their students have understood a particular topic.
Tremayne Simpson
In my classroom we alternate hands on demos & lecture days to be able to reach every students style of learning. Some students never take any notes from lecture however excel once they've had the hands on demo while the instructions are given verbally and some of my students must have the lecture first so they know how to apply what they have learned thru lecture.
Patricia,
This is an excellent method for engaging students with different learning styles. Creating diverse groups (based on student learning level) can motivate the "high-achieving" students and provide peer-induced learning for those that are in need of additional assistance.
Tremayne Simpson
I try to use different styles such as group work, partner work, and hands-on activities. The students do have individual work in which I can assess what they have learned and what still needs brushed up on. When reviewing for an exam, we play a game on the whiteboard in which I split the students up into two teams and they work together to answer the most questions correctly. I typically do not have downtime in my classes because we cover a lot of material in 12 weeks. I also review the previous day's material at the beginning of each class to see what the students retained. At the end of each class I review some of the material presented that day.
I agree it is important to incorporate different ways for students to receive the information. I’ve found that some students can learn in multiple ways. I like to pair students up with different learning styles for group work. I think it allows students to utilize their strong points while watching others use theirs. I will also give a short questionnaire at the beginning of the course which asks students questions pertaining to how they learn their strengths and weaknesses. If the class is small enough I will sit down with each student and discuss their answers.
On the first day of class I ask several questions as an introduction to get to know them. During lecture I ask my students questions to make sure that they understand the concepts. We have a weekly quiz and homework assignments. I also spend one-on-one time with the majority of my students.
vera,
Excellent point. A simple change in seating arrangement, can assist in engaging students during lecture. I have elected to use the "round-table" format as well, and I was able to see a positive change in the amount of student participation.
Tremayne Simpson
I teach allied health classes and some of my students acquire much from the lecture and some are visual learners. We have four subjects per module and each has 50 minutes allocated to it with ten-minute break periods in between.
I lecture the first period then we go to the lab the next period. This greatly improves student understanding and sharpens their lab skills. I also do some Q & A with my students and every now and then I have them assist with the lectures and labs. For some that is a great way to process what they have learnt to so far. I use Youtube videos as well and we do a lot of patient scenarios (role-playing). I find that studente get easily bored unless we include a variety of learning styles.Even the seating arrangement could impact the learning abilities of the students. I adapt it based on the module we are in and the general progression of the class. With my current students, we started off with a lecture style seating arrangement but now are in a round-table format.
Susie,
I have also used the method for assessing students' prior knowledge. In addition, the assignment enables you to learn a little more about each student, which can assist in relationship building.
Tremayne Simpson
The first day of class I ask the students to write a short explanation of why they're at the school, what their goals are and in their opinion, how they learn best. I believe most adults have a pretty good idea of their own learning styles. In reading their responses I get an idea of the level of their literacy, what past experiences have led them to our school and their learning style. I believe an effective teacher always teaches to multiple learning styles and my lessons reflect those different styles.
Working in a class that has hands on makes this fairly simple for me. The class starts with some lecture, if videos are available this can be helpful, next would be any hands on demonstraitons to show what to do and how to do it. From that point the rest is usually lab time.
At this point visual learners and listeners should be on the right track. Working in lab will help give the hands on learners what they need, and for the types who learn by reading, service manuals and reveiw of notes from lecture and demos should give them what they need for the hands on projects of the lab. As lab progresses I move through the stations to help as needed.
You have to put a variety of activities, such as lecture-discussion, visuals (PowerPoint), board work, small groups, etc., to help to account for different learning styles. It also helps to keep the class from getting boring, since we have 4 hour classes. However, probably, however, one of the most important things that you have to do is not get to know your students as quickly as possible. This will help determine what delivery techniques you use the most. I teach most upper-level classes. I like this, because I usually know the student before he, or she, gets to class.
One thing I do is to ask a lot of pertinent questions when I lecture (more of a lecture-discussion to encourage student feedback and participation. I have been known to alter class activity (in a few cases) based on a student suggestion (such as having the student come up to the board.
Teachers have to be flexible, especially if what you are trying to do isn't working. When one delivery attempt bombs, sometimes I have to try something else. Covering the material is important, but not so much so if the students just aren't getting it.
I always explain the various learning styles to my new students (Visual, Auditory & Kinesthetic). I explain to them "Students who pay attention to their style can develop study techniques to get the most from their study time.
The key to creating effective lesson plans that adhere to the various learning styles of students is to offer both variety and repetition. Variety offers opportunities for students to work both in and out of their comfort zones. Repetition reinforces what is learned.
LeAnn,
I agree. Implementing diverse instructional methods enhances the students' learning experience and can increase the overall retention of information. An exciting class can "spark" the memory of an important theory or learned concept.
Tremayne Simpson
