The importance of learning styles
One of my "courage to teach" moments was when I took a formal learning styles inventory and had an aha moment about my own learning preference and then thought about that application with students. I thought I had been inclusive of all learning styles yet realized, I needed to be intentional in my course design. I believe I became a more effective educator as a result. I want students to be aware as well since in their personal and professional lives they must be lifelong learners and knowing one's learning style can make that learning easier.
Yes, I agree that the use of a variety of methods may improve the overall learning environment. Focusing on the students' various learning styles may encourage students to adapt and may also increase student motivation.
As an educator, if you are not tuned in to the different styles of your students, then you are not truly getting through to them. You will have a few that will do ok, but the true learning experience for both the student and the instructor comes from having all involved.
Knowing and understanding the different learning styles is a must for educators. No way around need to consider options to optimize learning.
Hi John - Very observant! Usually adult learners have learned to adapt to different delivery styles and thus have diverse learning styles. I also agree that the lack of hands on education in recent generations has had an effect as well. Best wishes - Susan
Key to ensure students are learning and retaining the material - use a variety of methods!
Adapting to student learning styles is part of teaching. Something the best teacher do resulting in a learning environment for all.
I agree that in the culinary field it seems the majority of our younger students are tactile or visual learners; however I have noticed that the career changing and older students have a broader range of learning sytles. I have often thought that that may be in part because of the influence of television and even more so the PC that has done more and more of our early primary education duties, as public funding for schools have been greatly reduced over the last two decades.
Hi Linda - Thanks for a great post! It is really useful for students to understand their own learning preferences as it helps them to study more effectively. Best wishes - Susan
Yeah I find students in the culinary field get disinterested easily without some sort of visual aid. I like to use powerpoints when doing a lecture and then move to demonstration.
