Cover all learning styles with your teaching style
I think that concentrating on making sure all 4 learning styles are addressed by teachers and instructors during curicullum delivery is the most important part of this module. I believe that even when your primary learning style isn't being directly addresed it is still a reinforcement. "Hit them from all sides and make sure it sticks."
Teaching culinary math can sometimes be tricky with delivery. I try to relate the concepts to real life situations...for example, we use the bridge method so I talk about various popular bridges and I draw a bridge on the white board.
I definitely find some learning styles easier to reach than others. I am most familiar with auditory learning because of my educational background (although I'm visual) so I tend to use auditory teaching most often. This is a good reminder to make sure I'm reaching other styles of learning.
You are right, this is the most important. Being a Culinary Instructor I find that the "Hands on" is the most effective for real life cooking experience, and all of the others for tests and quizzes.
Hi Joseph - Welcome to ED 103! Not only does teaching to the learning styles help your students to succeed, it also keeps things fresh for the instructor. Teaching the same things , the same ways can get really boring! Best wishes - Susan
I agree by integrating all 4 learning styles into your lesson you are really doing everything you can to reach the students on their own level of learning.
I can remember that the instructors I had that covered each area of learning made the learning experience much easier. I can see where using each style of learning will also keep teaching you class interesting and upbeat and fun because everyone is getting to learn in a way that they enjoy.
I also try to incorporate hands on demo and activities into standard lecture classes when possible, but some subjects do not lend themselves to a demo. At those times, I try to inject a story or real life example to reinforce the idea. It helps to turn those blank looks into "now I get it" looks.
I agree, I have found by bringing in styles from every aspect of learning into the classroom, that more students take away something from the course... even those who came into the class feeling it was a subject they were disinterested in.
I bring in very visual powerpoint slides that go along with my lectures and discussion, and their daily assignments are application based based on their readings.
I agree. I think that often one of the most important things we can do as teachers is to help students realize what their best learning style is so that they can be proactive about learning situations and studying habits.
Hi Rebecca - Welcome to ED 103! Discussing learning styles with your students will also often yield some new ideas for the instructor.
I agree that it can be trial and error until you learn each students learning style. I have found that it helps to discuss this with the class as a fun exercise. It has helped a great deal with the students,when they realized that the auditory learners ARE paying attention and do pass the tests and they are not goofing around and not paying attention. It also helps them understand themselves and each other.And how they interact with each other,and learn to use it with future clients and in their personal relationships. I have found that it has helped me very much in my life by paying attention to other peoples style.
Yes, I do agree but it is very difficult when you teach a trade that requires one type of learning more than others, therefore teaching students how to learn.
John,
I think you've hit the nail on the head. In our program, we try to incorporate a little bit of every teaching style. We lecture it, apply it (hands on), assign reading on it, and finally skill test and written test to see if they received the information. I do like the idea of having the students fill out a learning preference survey. I think that would cut down on the assessment time. If I don't understand which teaching technique works for a particular student by week 3, they have missed too much.
I agree but sometimes the hand on approach does not work with some students. But you are rigt mixing up the teaching style does help me.
Hi Angnes agree with you. By third week I am pro at recognize the students who really want to learn.
Hi!
I use a variety of teaching methods. Even though it is hard to tell what students' individual learning styles are wk 1 of class, you can get a pretty good idea within the next 2 weeks or so. You can tell from students' participation and involvement, and get a good idea from their responses. What do you think?
Bottom line, I try to incorporate lectures, PP presentations, handouts, reading
assignments,discussions, as well as group projects to address different learning styles.
Hi Tremayne -welcome to ED 103!Your assessment technique is quite comprehensive and should be very effective. How have the results been thus far?
David,
I approach assessment from a "trial and error" standpoint, in that, I create exams that include visual examples, written questions and in some cases I verbally give a question, in order to accomodate multiple learning styles. I use the exam results to see if my approach is effective.
You are right! Try to mix up your teaching style with different approaches. I prefer to use the "Hands On" Method to teaching, but also will lecture with visuals and handouts. It is difficult to know which student learns better at different methods. How can you tell?
