Learning Styles
Most of my accounting students are very hands-on. They learn much better when they can work through problems and exercises.
Listening is beneficial to the extent that they can visualize the process and then convert the process to action themselves.
It can be very frustrating for students to read a chapter,listen to a lecture or view a power point only to find they cannot solve the problems.
I go over a concept with them together in class and then give them a similar exercise or problem to work through. If they have questions both their classmates and I are there to help.
Hi Ron- Thanks for your post to the forum. Wow- Setting up a Computer based simulation is impressive! Wish I could see how it works. As you note, when students "do it" they "get it" . Time and energy well spent, Ron! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
It think that in many courses kinesthetic learning style is not addressed, and only to the detriment of the students.
In my Operations Management class I use computer simulation that has the students interact with each other in the various roles of a supply chain. "Doing it," they invariable say, "make so much more sense of it than just reading or seeing a graph of it."
I think these types of active simulations, if done right,really helps not only those predominately kinesthetic learning style, but supports the others styles.
Unfortunately, while its easiest easy to supply auditory, visual, and written, but good simulation take a good deal of effort to set up.
You can notice a big difference when the students become involed with the lesson in some form of hands on activity.
The learning styles of my students varies so greatly fortunately we all have somethings in common by emphasizing those i can bring everyones focus and reach most of my students .
Hands on learning can be implemented through note-taking or cnstruction. A variety of activities helps all of the students stay "tuned-in".
I agree that students need learning to be reinforced by hands-on exercises. Many students will somewhat understand what is being said during the lecture portion of class, but some will not. However, once an exercise is introduced and completed, almost all of the students will understand the basic idea(s).
That makes a lot of sense given their desire to manipulate numbers and concepts effectively.
Hi Joseph- Thanks for your post to the forum. Somehow I had never thought of Accounting students as "Hands-on", but in the context of being "problem solvers" it makes sense! Best wishes- Susan
