What learning style
What if you have a student who just is not getting it? you have ran throught the learning styles, and they just dont get it.
I have sat down with students like this and tried to figure out exactly where their deficiency is (Or mine for getting the point across to them). usually when I sit with them, get a clear picture of why a concept is not sticking, i get a better understanding of why and usually it is something easy that you can work with them and they eventually come around.
Hi Debi,
Good points about offering a variety of sensory inputs. This is the only way we can keep the students engaged for any length of time. Keep up the strategies you are doing a great service for your students.
Gary
I think this plays into the concept that we all can listen 4 times faster than we (the instructor) talk. This allows the mind to wander while the lecturing catches up to the listening. Having visual aids that can be viewed during the lecure could help keep the student engaged. Additional visual aids from prior lessons or related to discussion topics shown around the room might keep them focused on what the class is about in total, so if the mind wanders away briefly from the actual lecture, hopefully they will stay with the class topic.
Hi Chris,
I would think that you could set up the situation, such as a case study and then have the students work through the critical thinking skills sequence using different communication techniques that represent the different learning preferences. When I have taught courses like this I would introduce a concept or item to the class. They then would have to develop a sale pitch of 3 minutes or less using just visuals. Another group would use only verbal methods. The point is that they would get to work in different areas of sensory and cognitive processing as they completed the assignment. I have found this to be very effective for my classes. Don't know if it will work in your setting but it might be worth a try.
Gary
My primary challenge is teaching critical thinking skills. The substantive course content is almost secondary. If the students can think critically then they have the skills necessary to learn the substantive content of the course regardless of what I am teaching. Engaging a variety of student learning styles in teaching critical thinking can be quite a challenge. Any suggestions?
Hi Amy,
Adults are kids at heart. By having the objects available for them to play with you are building a connection between their knowledge base and tactile integration of their new knowledge. Great job!
Gary
I have also found that if I have things on the tables for the students to play with during a long lecture it actually helps to hold their attention. That way you are engaging all of their senses.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for sharing the way you approach students that are being challenged by the course content. The fact you care about their success and are willing to sit down with them and discuss strategies for helping them sends a real message to these students. This really helps to motivate them as well as give you insight into how you can help them.
Gary
