Learning Styles
I've noticed that a healthy mix of all styles helps students learn overall. Also, if I am lecturing, I tend to use Powerpoint Presentations with pictures, as well as my own experiences and stories to bring the students into the discussion and classroom topics. It does not work all the time, but I find a healthy good percentage of the class finds this way very helpful and helps them learn as well.
My subject (audio recording) allows for a easy mix of styles. I think the ones that are most excepted by students are visual and Kino (hands-on). I use Powerpoints to introduce some of the subject. Best are the signal routing carts. This really makes understanding a sometimes seemingly abstract idea easy to visualize. Student often ask if they can copy my PowerPoint files to take home ! Of coarse even with PowerPoints, we still discuss (that's me with students) not just lecture (me only)the topic as we go.
In every class there is always a mix of learners. I as you try to mix things up with stories, visiual, sound etc. I may present a powerpoint and give a history story about the product evoking some class participation or I may be preparing something and tell them to lisen to the sound it makes when it is cooking. The different style of learners become evedent when they ask for a copy of the powerpoint or to review the handout given or show them how to make it again. It gives great satisfaction to the instructor as well as the student when you know that they got it.
I think that's a very good mix. Our experiences not only flavor to the subject but they bring credence and truth to the lesson. A student will be more interested if he/she believes the lesson is relevant and truthful. If they recieve material in both ways it will also reach more learning styles.
I think this is the best aproach. I have to use mix of styles as well. Visal presentation backed up with verbal explanation and then finally hands on practices.
