learning style ice breaker
I teach a communications class and the first day of class we take a short learning style assessment. This works as both an eye opener for the student as well as an excellent ice breaker for the class. Students get paired up with their like learning style peers and brainstorm how they most comfortably learn, how others can effectively teach them a topic, and how they can use their learning styles when studying.
Kari, this is what I like to do also. I also try to have classroom activities like studying for a test playing Jeopardy. I notice my students regardless of age enjoy playing games in class.
I also have a learning style questionnaire, but this is actually utilized in the NCLEX class that I teach preparing them for state boards. They bring thier books, we use powerpoints, have open discussions and get up and act out the answer to a particular question - for example - cane walking. The information seems to stick with them!
I like this activity! I love using icebreakers - one that I have used is where the students have to get up and find other students that can answer a question on their bingo sheet (example: who has been to Europe?). I feel that this appeals to the kinesthetic learners, since they are able to get up and move around, talking and learning with fellow classmates. I too would like to know the specifics of how students get paired up.
Thank you!
That's a great ice breaker. I want to learn of more ideas on this. Thanks.
Talk about a motivator! This activity lets the students know you really are interested in how they learn. They have now become an active participant in creating future presentations for content delivery.
I have one question. How do you pair them up?
That is an interesting idea. I have not done anything like that but try to mix up the class by having power points when I lecture as well as havung group work and supplements to the text book.
Hi Dana - Thanks for your post to the forum. Wow- what a great job you are doing of introducing your students to how they learn - excellent work!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
