I like to administer a learning styles assessment. I go over this with them and most people had no idea as to what type of learner they are. I am fortunate enough to train in a profession that requires reading, hands-on, lectures with video powerpoint and whiteboards. Before I was intorduced to these learninig styles I was basically up there just lecturing. If there is an area that focuses primarily on one learning style I will do my best to recognize it prior to class in a manner that can include all learning styles.
Kit,
Field trips are great motivators for the reasons you state. They help connect the students with the content and show why the content is valuable to their future and career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use field trip to related course material and real world knowledge. When the student see the course material that we cover in real time and job related, it help them to understand it better.
Bronzel,
Good point about helping them to stay engaged and focused on the course and the desired outcomes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also agree that when you give students both application and relevancy they tend to be engaged in the material. They feel apart of the class instead of being in a class.
Making it a priority to learn who my students are and what they require to learn and being flexible and willing to tailor my learning still to accomodate all students.
Kelly,
This is what good instruction is about. You were able to learn from your previous students in a way that enables you now to be responsive the learning preferences of your current students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ashley,
Good way to engage everybody plus I am sure the students really like being a part of these different activities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I found in teaching the same group that the first class was a trial and error for me. Than once I learned their learning styles it became easier. When I didnt know them, I did all ways every class or did half lecture, half hands-on. Than, I was thrown a suprise and they learned more by the hands-on, So I did small lectures, pulled out material, than the rest was hand-on.
I try to prepare something that is reaches out to each learning style. I try to give mini-breaks with some sort of activity that pertains to what we are learning but deviates from the strict note-taking.
I go over the information ahead of time and adjust to different class dynamics.
Try to come up with a news article or real world example
Charlene,
Written like a true professional educator. I commend you for your willingness to adapt to the needs of your students. This is what being a professional educator is all about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gail,
Instructors have to be flexible and you are being such with your approach. Read your students and then customize your approach to meet their needs. By doing so you and your students are going to enjoy the teaching/learning experience.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe I am working with in trial and error. I have a diverse population. And as such, the learning environment is ever changing. Right now, demonstrations seem to be on the only way to teach and get acknowledgement of acceptance of understanding
I had a class that was new for me and had a plan established. After the first day of class and speaking with the students and learning what their career goals were, I changed my entire class curriculum to include additional class trips and added guest speakers. It wasn't easy since I already had planned what I wanted to do, but I thought changing to meet the needs and goals of the students was more important.
Tessa,
You had some great experiences in your earlier education and they are serving your students as a result of them. I commend you for your efforts in delivering instruction in a variety of different venues so your students can learn in their different learning preference areas.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love this idea!
I was given a questionnaire/inventory while in my first education course and was shocked by what I learned about myself and my learning style. The information helped guide me through the rest of my education. In high school I thought I was just not a "good student". I found out that my learning style was very different than what I had thought. Now I seek information through ways that cater to my learning style and it is much more enjoyable when it comes to learning anything.
With my students, I present them the same questionnaire and then discuss with them which learning style was their most and least dominant. the students love hearing the final results and are usually surprised by something. I try to then satisfy as many learning styles as possible in my lesson plan.
I also record each students strongest and weakest learning style in their file; that way if they are struggling in some area I can see the delivery method that will be most effective to help them. Understanding more about learning styles was very valuable to me as a student,and has proven to be equally valuable as an instructor.
I try to recanize the difrent styles my first day of a new corse and adjust for each person
Linda,
This is a very important skill to develop. Reading a class helps you to customize your instructional delivery based upon the class dynamics of that session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
