It is importnat to know the different learning styles of students in order to be able to deliver new information in a way that would help with student retention and acquisition of new information.
I like to teach by telling my class what I want them to learn through lecture and power points. Than show them in a demonstration, and then let them do it. And than at the end discuss the successes and failures of the class. I think this covers a number of learning styles. Some students learn well when they or another class mate does it right but also when they or someone in the class fails Failures are sometimes the best teachers.
At least in a classroom setting.
Hi Sarah, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is the point, exactly! We need to actively craft our lesson plans with the learning styles in mind. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think that it is a great idea to "craft" a lesson plan that includes a variety of learning styles. This way, the instructor does not stay stuck on the same learning style for extended periods of time, perhaps without even realizing it.
The instructional benefit of knowing the learning styles of my students allows me to educate them in creative ways so that the information "engrains" in their brains. :) The knowledge of knowing individual learning style variations helps me target what the needs of my students are and teach accordingly.
I have found a variety of learning styles need to be balanced when instructing a class of film students.
Cinema students span the spectrum of learning styles and types, and a balance must be struck with trying to impart the desired information to them at the same time, equally.
I have found that hands-on problem solving during class sessions along with written and reading assignments given as homework seems to strike the balance for most of the students in my classes.
The benefit of knowing the different learning styles of your students are that the majority of students will be reached and have an understanding of the subject at hand. As an educator I try to learn all students styles of learning. Doing this enables me to really get on their level in such a way that he or she will never feel left behind.
Hi Brianne, Thanks for your post to the forum. Teaching to the learning styles certainly takes more work up front, but the pay-off is outstanding!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Knowing the different learning styles of the students allows me to work better with them in finding the answers they need.
I believe it helps the class run smoother and allows the students to get more out of the lecture. When knowing how students learn best, I as an instructor can include all ways of learning so I can reach and connect with the auditory, sensory, visual and kinesthetic learners.
Hi Chloe, Thanks for your post to the forum I am so glad that you are finding new ideas from this course to use in your classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
It's extremely beneficial to know the learning styles of students because it can help guide the content delivery methods of the instructor. This course is definitely making me think more about how I can vary my content delivery to accomodate more students' learning styles.
Hi Mary, Thanks for your post to the forum. I am glad that you got some useful ideas to use in your classes. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I find that knowing how my students learn allows me to present information in a way that raises their self-esteem. Higher self-esteem, the more effort the student puts into the course. And as we know, the more dedication to a course the better the outcome for the student. Reading over some of the strategies that other instructors have used to engage their students has given me a few ideas of how I can better reach my tactile learners.
Hi Annie, Thanks for your post to the forum. The best tactic is to vary your delivery as often as possible. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
By knowing the learning styles of my students, I can save time by presenting the information in the most effective manner for the audience. If I use a method that the students don't prefer, it will take them longer to learn and retain the information. However, it is difficult to do in a big classroom setting, because everyone learns differently and I can't teach the same material in many different ways in the alotted time just to cover everyone.
Hi Laura, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, having that direction as we plan our lessons is a great advantage! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
One of the instructional benefits of knowing the learning styles of students is providing a guide for determining delivery method. This helps the instructor by identifing what types of materials to use in the classroom/lab.
Hi Jacqueline, Thanks for your post to the forum. Ideally we would be able to appeal each students learning style in every class, but as you state, that is not always possible. What we CAN do is vary our delievery as much as possible. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
At my school we are given the results of a learning style assessment that the students take upon entry.
I feel that it is a great aid to reach the students if I can reach them in the way that they are most comfortable. However, I am in a fast-paced environment and sometimes it is a bit tricky to incoroporate the students' learning styles as much as I would like to.
