Hi Shawn - Thanks for your post to the forum. I also assume that in any of my class every learning style will be represented. Therefore, I also vary my delivery. However if you can be certain that 75% are one specific style, I think it would be reasonable to lean more towards that style but not to the exclusion of the others. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
In a class of any significant size, say 20 students, is it safe to assume that you have all the learning styles present? I've just assumed this so far and have incorporated approaches that are directed to each style at different points in time. If I did have, say 3/4 visual learners, does that mean that a majority of my approaches should be directed to them?
The benefits of knowing the learning styles of your students are knowing exactly how to deliver the material in the most effective way. I always have a blend of learning styles in my classroom. I am a fairly new instructor and have begun to use powerpoints with class discussions and complete the class period with hands on experience. I usually do not know the class learning styles until a few weeks into the quarter. Next quarter I think that I will begin class with a learning style assessment.
This enables you be better prepaired fro the class and deliver the material aimed at all the students in splace of just one group.
Hi Rich- Thanks for your post to the forum. Recognising that we have our own preferred learning style does help us to keep that in mind as we teach. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The instructional benefits to knowing the learning styles of our students are
- deeper understanding and knowledge of materials
- happier and less frustrated students
This knowledge allows us to come up with a variety of instructional methods to be more thorough and to get our learning objectives across to students in ways that we know work with the student. In the end the important thing is that the students understand the information we're teaching them with hopefully the greatest ease.
I know that my learning style is not the traditional classroom learning style; I learn much better if I can do something hands on or see something visually. I keep this in mind when I am teaching my classes that not everyone learns the same way and that the more different ways that I can present information the more learning styles I will include in my teaching. I also think that it helps to keep the classes from getting too predictable.
This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you!
I think you need to know so that you can reach all the students when delivering new material or any material for that matter
Hi Don - Thanks for your post to the forum. Isn't it wonderful how so many more teaching options are at our disposal than when we were kids? At my college we actually have a faculty development class called "Burn the Podium!". Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
In an advanced math setting, although lecture and a visual presentation of examples together form the central technique of the delivery of new information,the new media modes have allowed us to bring in many example that readily enhance students' different learning styles, e.g., PowerPoint, YouTube, "Ask Doctor Math" type blogs, Smart Boards, and the old fashion, "let's try this one together" continues to allow an instructor to look over a student's shoulder to see his/her approach. Problem solving even at the upper-levels can be gamed to experiment with different learning styles.
Everyone learns differently. In order to reach everyone, we must be able to adapt our delivery methods.
I agree - getting them involved not only makes them want to learn more - but actively engages them so they do not even realize that they are in the process of learning!
Hi Jim - Thanks for your post to the forum. I find that often adult students have learned to adapt to other learning styles pretty well, but they still have a preferred style that they find most effective. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Dale- Thanks for your post to the forum. It really does boil down to just that - "The student becomes more at ease". The extra effort that it takes to teach to the learning styles is so worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
HI Dale- Thanks for your post to the forum. I know that I am not an auditory learner and sometimes a lecture can seem like just "noise".
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Renee- Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes- if our students feel that we are making an effort to teach them in the way they learn best, they ARE more engaged in their learning. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I believe that knowing what type of learning styles that best fight each individual student is really an important part of your lesson plans
As an instructor it is vital for me to know the learning styles of my students. I use this information in developing curriculum and assessment tools. This knowledge has been a valuable tool in helping me understand the importance of an interactive classroom.
Renee Bipes
That is true. I have found it sometimes difficult to deliver content that is only lecture based to students whose styles are not auditory learners. Quite often in that scenario I find that I am having to repeat myself to each individual student.
