Jay, you sound like you do a good job of addressing the different learning styles of your students. That is probably why they all like to take your Environmental Science class.
I like the idea of giving the students an outline and could do this for any lecture.
I teach a science class and we do not have the resources to have a hands-on laboratory section for this class. I find it difficult because I would love to show them how some of these things work in the lab and I feel they would learn better (especially the kinesthetic learners). I do use some online laboratory activities for the students and I find that this engages them more and hopefully gives them better retention.
It is important to access the learning styles of your students so that you will be reaching them all effectly.
By using a combination of techniques you will hopefully capture everyone's attention and then allow them to absorb what you are presenting.
Hi Tommy- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree, we need to lecture even though not all students respond well. I like the idea of giving the students an outline of what they will be doing in the lab (with key concepts highlighted) before the lecture to encourage students to pay attention to the concepts in the lecture that they will need to know in the lab. It really helps. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As far as classroom work, auditory and visual students do well. When students do not learn well in the classroom, they do not learn in these 2 ways but I explain to them that they will learn the material better when we take it into the laboratory and this is where they finally understand it. So, I be patient while we cover lecture and lab.
By knowing the learning styles of your students helps you as an instructor to broaden your teaching methods also. This process puts you in a position of Student as well as instructor.
Roger Jamison
They are primarily kinesthetic learners, and I only have 1 hour or less to meet with them per week and I only meet with them for 5 weeks. I have a lot of information I have to cover with them in a short time.
Hi Chris- Thanks for your post to the forum. I really liked your "Chameleon" analogy. Changing our delivery styles is challenging but rewarding.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
HI Amanda - Are your students primarily auditory learners? Are you teaching them only one hour per week? Best wishes - Susan
HI Sara- Thanks for your post to the forum. I really believe that to be a good teacher is to be constantly learning and growing as well. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Denise- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - for example, even if I know the majority of my students are visual it still makes sense to add some auditory and tactile delivery just to have some variety. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Jay- thanks for your post to the forum. Students really do thrive when they feel that they are being understood and have an easier time absorbing instruction. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
You can tailor your instructional methods (lecture, activity, movie, etc.) to the learning styles of your students. Thus, they will learn more effectively.
I can use this knowledge to "teach to" the students' strengths.
Knowing the learning styles of my students would allow me to more closely tailor my classes to their needs. It could possibly make the learning more efficient. However, even without knowing those styles currently I think if I use a wide variety of the teaching strategies listed I may help all of my learners.
Of course we want to get the information to the student in a way that helps them remember its importance. I think different programs:ie IT, Med. assist, Vet tech... have more students that learn in a certain style. In my classes I find that most are visual and kenetic....(I do get an odd one that is auditory now and then)so I try to teach more in these styles. If a student has a different style I try to find other outlets(inlets) for them such as websites etc. I find it difficult to teach to many learning styles since, but I'm slowly braodening my horizens.
I am a kinesthetic learner but I usually teach using lectures focused toward auditory learners. I am an instructor for students on their externship so I only have about 45 minutes to an hour per week meeting with students to discuss their requirements before they start my class. Since I only have a short time I usually just lecture. Do you think I would be able to better deliver my message if I used a kinesthetic approach more often?
As instructors/educators, we almost have to take on a chameleon like approach to our students. We have to adapt to each student on an individual level, as no two students generally learn the same way. I tend to answer their questions with questions in return, to test how much knowledge they have within themselves to answer their own question. This in turn gives me a barometer which in turn allows me to adjust my teaching style to each students needs.
By knowing the medium in which your learners take in new information helps ensure they comprehend the content. It saves class time by not having to repeat information.
By using a variety of teaching techniques I can feel confident that I am helping my learners learn.
I find it very helpful to knowing the students styles of learning, I try to incorparate a little of every style.
