Understanding that students have different learning styles and knowing them makes a world of a difference in class.
You feel more confident as an instructor because you know that you are reaching all of the learners.
Sometimes you need to know your student to teach them the information. It is particularly important with students that are having trouble. You can often get the concepts to "click" with the student by giving them some individual attention.
Knowing students' learning styles helps you prepare for the effective delivery of course material so that your students grasp the material. In the long run, it saves time and frustration on students' part if you are able to adjust to how students best receive information. You can also tailor projects, assignments and even final assessments. For instance, in one of my instructor's English classes (I'm the Director of Education)he asked if he could offer students three options to demonstrate what they knew/had learned in his class. One option was a traditional written final exam. A second option was a socratic dialogue with the instructor and class demonstrating what s/he had learned. The last option was to write a brief "script" for a TV show and then to actually execute the script - in this case to demonstrate cooking a dish (we're a culinary college). Three great options for students! About a third of the students opted for each of the options and they really demonstrated what they had learned in his class.
Hello,
Knowing the learning styles of your students is important because it allows the instructor to successfully deliver class content. As an instructor the ultimate goal is to ensure your students get the most out of your class and by understanding them and their learning styles, you can cater to all students and switch up delivery methods of presentations and lectures.
The benifits are that your students will grasp the course materials better as you work with your students within their style and vary your teaching style to accomadate the different learning styles within your classroom. As the instructor plans the lecture and the outline for each day the instructor is challenged to vary the activities to work within these different styles.
Hi Cristine- Wow - Thank you for such a heartfelt testimonial!! I had the exact same experience in college - even had an instructor say that he used to be in industry but did not like working with people - his delivery style was to lecture while writing on the board with his back to the class. Questions were not welcomed! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Your power of an instructor is vital in the lessons they will learn. A lot of times these students have never had anyone say to them, YOu can do it. By empowering your students you are a empowering teacher.
Students are so interesting and by knowing your students it will definitely help in your delivery.
The benefits far outweigh guessing how to deliver your course. As a former outreach middle/high school teacher we regularly administered the LSI to our students so that not only we as instructors new, but that they knew as well. It is a tremendous gift to give to the student as they learn about themselves as lifelong learners. I only wish my college professors would have known/and or taken the time to do this. It would have made my life much more easier as a student who struggled with the "lecture" only method. Needless to say, I use a wide variety of delivery systems when teaching so I can try to reach everyone.
HI Gail - Welcome to ED 103! It generally really depends on the discipline that you teach - e.g. probably culinary students are more likely to be kinesthetic, music students- auditory etc. Still it really pays to try to use all of the styles on a fairly regular basis. Best wishes for a continued success in your teaching career! Susan
If you know the learning styles of your students you can modify your teaching to includes everyone
Is there a style where a majority of learners fall? This way we can tailor our delivery by prioritizing our techniques.
Hi Cynthia- You mention an important point. If our students understand how they learn best and also the importance of recognizing that, they will as they become supervisors/managers be better able to yteach/mentor their employees. Best wishes- Susan
I find that knowing the learning styles of your students help me to be an effective instructor by
better structuring and combining the new information presented to the class.
I think the best way to reach your students is to let them know you are available. Send the message that you are there for them to learn. Your interest is for them and find out what makes them tick.
By knowing your students it also gives you an edge on what makes them tick.
It is imperative to know the learning style of your students so you can insure that they are "Learning". A lot of times I will mix up the lecture by doing different types of projects.
Students want to learn and teachers want them to absorb the info - it just makes sense to understand how the students learn best, then tailor your teaching to help them do so. I think it's a great idea to have students asses their own learning style - it will increase their success in class and help them to become better students (and teachers, which they will likely become in their career, as they pass information to colleagues).
Hi Adel- Welcome to ED 103! Thank you for your post which gives us insight on more ways that understanding learning styles can be utilized. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hi Isaac- You will be astounded at the results you will see by teaching to the learning styles- I promise! Best wishes - Susan
