Hi Michael - Thanks for sharing a good example of how we can tailor our responses to the different learning styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Yes, that is a good way to filter how best to deliver content to your students.
- Leslie
Knowing my students' learning styles can give me insight regarding the manner in which students respond to a quetion that I pose. For instance, a student that is not a good auditory learner may need to take a longer time to formulate an answer to my question. Knowing this, I will give the student more time to respond.
I too find it easier to teach my students when I have a good rapport with them.
However, as a teacher of adult learners, I find I have to be very careful with being too familiar. I think it leads some of the younger ones to think that they can get away with stuff just because I am nice.
I find having a rapport with your students really helps both you and them.
Recognizing various learning styles will result in a more braod, more thorough and successful classroom. Should the instructor cimply stay in one gear the learning environment will be an uphill one.
By recognizing the various learning styles of a classroom the instructor is able to build a rapport with the group as a whole. He/she can manipulate the information using a variety of styles and techniques to reach more than just the handful who benefit from a specific learning style.
Hi Jonathan- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, as long as we make the effort to vary our delivery techniques as much as possible, we will be doing our best to teach to the learning styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi heather - thanks for your post to the forum. You are certainly running an "Active" classroom!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Deanna - Thanks for your post to the forum. Although I would hesiatate to say that any learning style could be considered a "weakness", I do agree that especially with younger students, encouraging them to explore learning styles is well worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Jennifer - Thanks for sharing a perfect synopsis of why teaching to the learning styles is important! Susan
By knowing the learning styles, it is easier to module the delivery method and increase information retention.
The main goal is to have students being abelt o absorb the information, understand it and retain it.
In classroom, there is a diversity of learners and therfore by varying the delivery method, we can increase the students attention, enjoyment and retention.
Depending on what age of student you are working with, discovering weaknesses can be upsetting to some. I try to encourage my students to "explore" different learning styles rather than saying they are this type of learner but not this type of learner.
We should not only know the learning styles that are coming into the classroom, but know how to implement. It is possible ti "kill two birds with one stone" My school is a technical school and encourages "active learning" In order to do this, I first teach using power points and lecture with class discussion. Then I have some kind of hands-on activity. It could be actively doping the task. If impossible, I incorporate some type of review game that is hands on or actively gets them out of their seats. It's amazing how much adults learn when "playing"
I also find it important to tell my students that even though they may be certain type of learner, it is imperative to learn their weaknesses as well.
Every student is different and as an instructor it is your responsibility to impart knowledge. Knowing a little about the best way your students learn can be very helpful. But most of all you need to remember to vary your techniqes so that you touch on areas that can benefit each of your students.
Hi Pete - Thanks for pointing out that teaching to the learning styles will almost always increase connections between students and faculty. Students feel valued and that is very important. Susan
Because I know most of my students are visual learners, auditory learning techniques will not be as effective to them. Knowing what visual learning is and how to properly teach using visual aid will increase learning in my class.
The benefits of understanding the learning styles of students for one is that there is a rapport between the teacher and the students. The students will have respect for the instructor. Another would be, classroom management. If all the learning styles are being utilized, the all the students should be on task. The learning process is taking place. This knowledge will help me become a more effective instructor because the understanding of this knowledge and how it is to be applied will keep my learning with an open mind. To find and use new ways, and take in to the classroom.
Regards,
Pete
Hi Deanna- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you state we need to utilize delivery that addresses all four styles as much as possible. Realistically we will not be able to achieve this in every class period, but we need to make every effort to do so. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
