Utlize video material, working through example problems as a group, have small groups work through problems together, and present some material through discussion.
Rudayna,
These are great methods for appealing to multiple learning styles. In many cases, students recognize the instructor's assignment creativity, which will make them eager to see what will take place during the following class session.
Tremayne Simpson
I have a really diverse population of students. I always keep that in mind when I am preparing for class and preparing a lesson plan. I make sure to include all types of learning styles. I lecture using powerpoint in some classes and using the board to draw or put notes up for other classes. I also put students in groups for discussions, debates and games. I have many hands on activities also. An example of something I do for my A&P class is I have students play SIMON SAYS on the skelton for the skeltal system. This way I have all students learning and retaining what they learn.
Clyde,
I agree with these methods, for accomodating various student learning styles. I try to use a compilation of these methods, within every lecture in order to maximize the student retention of information. Ironically, I have found that many of my students diversify their learning styles once they experience a lecture, with a multi-faceted presentation concept.
Tremayne Simpson
If a student is a visual learner, for instance, writing notes or drawing pictures about the subject may help the student understand the information readily. If the student is a tactile learner, however, a hands-on activity may be ideal for helping a student connect the lesson.
Tammy,
Differentiating strategies is an effective method for adhering to multiple learning styles. Are you able to diversify your methods in all aspects of the class (lecture, assignments, assessments, etc.)?
Tremayne Simpson
I try to engage students in different ways with every class. I try to rotate my strategies throughout the term. This way, no one learning style dominates the class.
Yes, crossover happens,especially when teaching intellectually gifted and talented students. Many of them have the ability to switch their learning styles. Some of them can be observed adapting to a teacher's style of presentation. I personally believe this is one reason that gifted and talented students experience so much learning success. (I had the honor of teaching gifted and talented second graders in Spokane, Washington. This is my 45th year of teaching.)
Amos ,
In most cases, "faculty development" occurs through experience. There is not a "one size fits all" lesson plan that can meet the needs of all students. The instructor has to assess their students in order to determine the best course of plans for that particular group.
Tremayne Simpson
Linda,
This is a very diverse instructional approach. Do you ever witness any "crossover" in the learning styles? For example; a visual learner that requests verbal exams or an auditory learner that requests a written exam.
Tremayne Simpson
I'm just starting to apply a lesson to my class I was using the lesson plan that the course had already put together. By observing the student in my class I had to learn to develop my own lesson plan based on the need of my students.I had to incorporate a veriety of learning styles in my 5 hour lecture and applications class. I realized that I don't have to talk all the time. Lesson plans help me stay on task and keep me focus on my topic.
I allow visual learners to complete a written exam; I ask auditory learners the same questions and they respond,verbally; and, finally, I asked the tactile learners to demonstrate their knowledge by assigning them a project. I observe their work as they construct a project. I judge how well they transfer learning concepts to a new challenge.
I try to incorporate different strategies to create lesson plans that adhere to the various learning styles of my students; however, I am hopeful this course will enlighten me with some new approaches I haven't considered.
I find that most of my students are kinesthetic; however, the challenge is sometimes getting through the didactic studies to prepare them for the lab portions of class. They are often very eager for the hands-on before they have the necessary classroon instructional background. In an effort to try to keep them motivated through the instruction, I try to incorporate activities which involve student interaction such as game/memory activities, workbook excercises, role plays and a lot of class discussion along with field trips and speakers. Depending on the course I'm teaching, the opportunity for actual lab/practical experience doesn't really lend itself to the curriculum, so I am constantly looking for activities to simulate the practical applications they will experience in other lab-type courses.
I also try to incorporate different visual media in my classes and may also provide worksheets to help direct their note-taking during class. I will often use workbook/homework and quiz assessments which relate directly to the note-taking exercises to try to reinforce their note-taking and study skills.
Linda,
These are great methods for adhering to varying learning styles. How do you adapt your student assessments (quizzes and exams) to accomodat various learning styles?
Tremayne Simpson
Every lesson that I plan includes activities for visual, auditory, and tactile learners. Also, to enhance learning, you may select color-coded resources for students, background music, and hands-on materials.
Jesus,
I agree. If time permits, I generally send an email to the students on my class roster (prior to the start of class), to provide them with an introduction of myself and an informal "get to know you" questionnaire. This is a great way to "break the ice" before the first class session.
Tremayne Simpson
It is always important to ask questions to know who your students are and what they know. This will allow to determine what is needed to be taught.
Renata ,
What types of assessment methods do you use to accomodate the varying learning styles?
Tremayne Simpson
In order to adhere to different learning styles I always make sure that I vary my teaching methods. Along with varying my methods for teaching I also vary my methods for assessment. By using a variation of styles I try to ensure that students are able to best understand the material regardless of the way in which they learn.
In my respiratory therapy class, my lesson plan includes power point, short videos, animations, and equipment hands on.
