I've found that adapting to the learning styles of my students has made me a much more efficient instructor. Over the last four years, I've taught classes from Computer Operations to English, and it's crucial that I know how my students learn. In Computer Operations, we may have students from medical, administrative professional, dental, automotive, and electronics in the same classroom. I not only must try to make the material individually relevant, but I must survey each class at the beginning (all are different) to make sure I don't waste my time or theirs teaching in a style that nobody will grasp.
Hi Carmen-
Welcome to ED 103! I see that you have been moving through the modules very well. What is your learning style? Have you had instructors in the past whose teaching style you preferred?
if one understands the various learning styles a variety of activities can be scheduled for each class for all students involved to benefit from the class material
You're absolutely right - it does take longer to prepare lessons that will appeal to the various styles but the payoff is clear. Of course it's unreasonable to expect that an instructor will tailor material to constantly address each style but it does certainly add variety to instruction that will appeal to our students.
As an instructor we must have a clear idea of how our students take and process the information given. By administering a learning assesment syle test to myself and the students I can then make sure that my subject matter is reaching all learning styles and not reaching a small percentage. While this may take longer in preparing the subject material it will benefit us all in our rentention level and make it more enjoyable for the students as a whole.
I am looking forward to using the website for my students to determine their learning style.
Since most of my experience has been with adult students I find that by the time they have reached higher education most adults who are successful students have managed to develop study skills that fit their learning style even though they have not formally labeled their style or perhaps not even conciously considered it. When we discuss styles though it is often an "Aha!" moment as they now understand why they learn the way they do.
NO most of my students do not know their learning style. I will diffently use a testing method for them to identify their learning style.
Do you find that most adults know their learning style already?
As an educator of adults it has always been a challenge to keep everyone interesed and knowing the learning styles helps make the class interesting and everyone can stay on task. If everyone is receiving the information in a way they will retain it, the class will run smoother and be more exciting.
I was taught as an elementary schooler to make outlines as I studied which has been valuable ever since. I learn much the way that you do. Chances are there are some students in your classes who also learn this way so you can certainly use some strategies that you personally would find useful that will address their needs.
I have been an instructor for a little over a year now. My learning style is composed mainly of reading quietly by myself and listening when others talk. I find that it is often good if I listen and write down the information at the same time. I was never much for a flow chart or diagram. I could understand it better just by reading about it. Sometimes I have a tendency to teach the way I learn. Of course, I did that much more in the beginning of my career than I am doing now. Hopefully this course will help me to continue to improve upon the deliverance of my course material.
Hi Melissa - welcome to class! What is your learning style? Do you find it difficult to adapt your teaching to other styles? How long have you been a teacher?
It will help me vary my course content so that I can reach all students on one level or another. I find that if I teach to the majority of the students, then I am free to work more with the others. Also students who do understand often help those who don't. One of the most important things I learned from this first forum is to try and avoid teaching to my own learning style. I catch myself doing that every now and again, and I am going to be even more on the alert for that from this point forward.
George, do you find it a challenge to adapt your style to the diversity of your students? What is your style?
Knowing the learning styles of your student will help you make adjustments which would benefit the end user/student and help greatly with the actual retention rate.
Most definitely visual and no surprise there.
Exactly the point, Andrew! I know that I am a visual learner and so it will be the visual images that I stored that will help me recall information I have learned. By the way did you determine what your learning style was? Any surprises?
By accomodating the method that works best for the individual helps them not only absorb more material but retain it as well
