Over the period of years that I have been an instructor, evaluatioin of the different learning styles of the students has helped me to develope different instructional technques to keep all of the students interested in the lecture, labs ETC.
Using only one style of instruction tends to stagnate the class. by varying styles through out the class, yet keeping on course and not confusing the class can be a challenge but well worth it.
It's very important knowing the learning styles of your students because it will help the instructor how to deliver the lecture to those students. If you know that a student will understand the concept better by performing the task, then as an instructor, it's my job to deliver my lecture using a hands on exercise.
Wow Rtee- Perfection!! You have some very lucky students - keep up the great taeching! Best wishes - Susan
The more people who understand the concept of what you're teaching the better. I make it a point to lecture for the auditory learners with colorful powerpoints for the visual learners that are printed out for the written word learner and finish with a demonstration that I start and have students take turns completing. Hopefully that hits as many learning styles as possible.
HI Bob - you are so right! So many students did poorly in high school because they had to sit and be lectured to. One of my most memorable moments is when I asked one of our new graduates what she planned to do after graduation. She said " I am taking my diploma to my high School Guidance Counselor who told me that I would never succeed in college" . I still have goosebumps from that one......
Tailoring teaching style to my students helps me to be a better teacher.
It's very helpful because you can plan lessons accordingly, you know how to better approach students, and you can better assist students in understanding new concepts and learning materials so that they can better appreciate the course content.
Simple. It allows me to adjust my teaching style to include all students in my class. In this way, nobody feels as if they are falling behind or are left out. Many times, students that were thought to be slow or lazy, simply needed to see the material in a different light.
It can be used to enhance learning for all styles. Knowing your students will tell the instructor based on student performance how to work with students that may be having troubles.
If you know the students learning style you are ten steps ahead of the game you can't loose.You can affectively focus on there exact style without any qwestion.
Hi Ray - I think you bring up a good point - by helping students to diagnose their own learning styles,you involve them in their own learning which is much more effective then just telling them that they are kinesthetic, or visual etc.
Some benefits for knowing the learning styles of my students are:
-Being able to specifically target their learning preferences and deliver the course information to them in the best way possible.
-By discussing with the group the four styles of learning, students themselves are able to self diagnose their opportunities and challenges with absorbing information.
By being able to reach students on all four fronts, they (in general) seem more relaxed and more mentally prepared for class on a daily basis.
Fortunately, I teach baking and pastry courses. We do a combination of lecture and demonstration. Asking some open-ended questions during the lecture/demo help to keep the students connected and more alert. In conjunction to this, students receive reading assignments. So in this respect, I do cover all four learning categories: auditory, visual, written word, and kinesthetic. However, knowing the learning styles of my students will guide me towards the styles that best suit them. I would lean heavier on those particular styles.
I think that teaching to different learning styles help all the classes I teach. It makes the students aware that there are many ways to to say the same thing and learn. I have taught computer to many levels of student and Microsoft gives everything be completed in at least 3 different ways. It is important to find what works for the student and what we think is the best was is not for everyone.
I agree Vallene - our students will be entering the workplace where they will encounter all sorts of situations. While we want them to feel comfortable in our classrooms, we also have to prepare them for the uncertainity and diversity they are sure to experience.
Having been a professor for many years as well as a school administrator, I've worked with hundreds of students, each with their own specific way of learning. The key to success, of course, is the manner of instructional delivery; incorporate variety. It's also vital for the individual's development to move beyond their comfort zone and sometimes try new methods. As humans we have the amazing capacity to integrate new information, build upon our existing foundation, and create new learning pathways.
Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoy this segment and how it will reinforce my teaching abilities.
Hi Avalokita- welcome to ED 103! Thank you for a very thorough posting - you obviously understand the imprortance of teaching to the learnig styles.
Acknowledging and appreciating the various learning styles of students can better help instructors develop tests, projects, and/or assignments that keep in mind the students’ individual styles, thereby allowing students to perfect the skills they possess, while also developing and sharpening the skills they need to possess in order to be successful. Moreover, being aware of students' learning styles enables the instructor to set the right pace and adjust lectures/slides to better suit the needs of the students. If most of the students in the classroom are visual learns, then an instructor must bring to class visual aids to enhance learning. For instance, power point slides, boards, physical objects that have bright colors, things that attract the eye will best suit visual learners. On the other hand, if most the students in a class room are kinesthetic learners it is imperative to student learning and retention that the instructor allows them the opportunity to work with their hands and create things, which will help them remember the subject matter. I also strongly believe in having fun and playing learning games in the classroom that emulate real life situations which allow students to apply what they learn so that they can see how what they learn in class will help them in their chosen careers.
Hi Rose- It is amazing how adjusting your delivery to the stles of your students can really make a difference!
