It aides in creating a more personal approach to the material being taught. The student becomes more at ease, especially with material that is completely new to them. With knowing the students style the instructor can better deliver difficult concepts, and make the student feel at ease.
It is vital to know the learning style of students since that is probably the best way to "reach" them. If I know their learning style I can adapt what I am teaching them to their style of learning.
Since I teach evening classes to students who have been in the workforce and out of a classroom environment for some time it can be very challenging to understand where the students are coming from and by knowing/learning their learning style I can adapt my material to best impart the knowledge and skills that they need.
Hi Scott- Thanks for your post to the forum. It is really important that we tell our students that it is their "preferred style" and that they will be required throughout their careers to learn from many different delivery styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Art - Thanks for your post to the forum. You put it very well - we have obligation to every student and must do whatever it takes to help them learn. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Lori- Thanks for your post to the forum. If the majority of your students share the same learning style it does make it easier to plan lessons. Still we should try to add some variety in our delivery. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
If the majority of your students seem to be a particular type of learner then you can gear your instruction methods to that type.
By knowing the learning styles of individual students or groups of students, an instructor can "taylor" his or her delivery to best convey the material to the student or class. This would be most important when meeting with a class and you realize one student just doesn't get it. Perhaps a one-on-one tutoring session - delivered in an optimal way - to reach this previously unreachable student. Each instructor has a responsibility to each and every student, and sometimes this means moving closer to the student's need, rather than that same old way we've always done things.
Hi Tovia- Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, when our students feel engaged -that we are reaching them by teaching to their learning style - they do have fun - AND they learn! We can't be expected to teach to every style in every class but as long as we make a good effort we are REALLY teaching! ( Sorry for all the caps - I get excited!) Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
the problem with the "learning style" theory is that students label themselves, then use it (their style) as an excuse to not learn through other means.
Since every student learns differently, it is beneficial to know and understand their learning styles. Presenting material in a lecture format is not in the best interest of all your students. However, the lecture style can be adapted to include visuals, powerpoints with text, group interaction interspersed with lecture etc. Some material lends itself to one type of learning style and the teacher needs to be aware that it is in the best interest of their students to modify every presentation to include all styles even when that is a challenge.
Knowing the different styles can help make sure that you are reaching all your students. I already use a lot of these methods and am able to make class fun and interesting for all of my students.
A variety of instructional methods is always important, and knowing the learning style of our students helps us to determine which methods to use, and how often. It then can truly benefit each student. By using a variety of methods, students will also need to experience methods that aren't their preferred, which is also a good experience because it gives them the opportunity to challenge themselves and overcome the challenge.
Hi Salle- Great ideas for teaching to the learning styles - Thanks for sharing! Susan
Everybody absorbs information in different ways. If you can figure out the learning styles of your students you can gear your lesson plans around the different styles so you are not just addressing one or two styles. When the students are more engaged they will learn more and be much more attentive in the classroom.
1) I can vary the way I deliver material.
2) I can provide various ways for students to learn.
3) I can help students locate other materials to support their learning. For instance, I can find YouTube videos or narrated PowerPoint presentations for my students. I may not use all of them in class, but I can let students where to go to get additional support.
4) When I gave a learning style assessment in my class, I found that no one preferred to learn through auditory methods. That lets me know that I won't reach many students through lecture. I need to find other ways to present material.
Knowing how your students learns, helps you deliver the content to them in a way that they , the student, gets it.
Not only would knowing my students learning styles help me provide course material that would be easier for them to retain, but also makes sure that I do not teach in only my preferred learning method as well.
Hi Marilyn - I agree with you absolutely! If students feel that their needs are being met, they become engaged and excited about their learning. In my 30+ year teaching career I have seen this so many times. Best wishes - Susan
I feel that the benefit of knowing the learning style of your students will increase the retention of students. And improve completion and placement rate.
Wow Ashley- Thanks for a personal testimonial to the value of recognizing the learning styles of our students! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
