Hi Kim - we can always find ways to ensure a student is successful in some way. Then, as you mention, focus on that success. Susan
They gain confidence when they are successful, focusing on their strenghts is a great first step in teaching methods.
Hi Bobbe- Yes, there are sometimes those studcents who need to be "walked through". I have been accused of "hand-holding" but as far as I am concerned, if that is what it takes to get a student through - fine with me! Best wishes- Susan
It's difficult at first. As you move along in a mod here at my school, you can week the problem students out and find out their personal learning styles and needs and supply them w/ the right learning tools.
My students do well w/ encouragement, definitely. I have most of my students working competitively w/ themselves not others. I do have a few students who love competing w/ everyone and anyone. But in this field it is the end speed result that moves you along. Either way I push both learning styles. Oh, and then there are the ones that I have to walk through step by step, encouraging them along the path to passing, but that works for them, and they seem to build a strong foundation along the way.
I feel that some of my students do quite well listening and viewing what the instructors are doing, while others would do better on their own on rtc practicing hand-on. Each student is unique in that way. Although, I have found the majority agree on a certain learning style, yet you have unique individuals that might have to do work outside of class to enhance their skills. This might include viewing or listening to the news on TV or tapes or actually viewing an article and repeating many times -- repetitive for accuracy. They all take the same tests, but have different avenues getting there.
I know that my field of court reporting is quite unique compared to other fields; however once the students are motivated, like you said, they start soaring to higher levels. I feel that I work w/ each student according to how they progress, and we are successful as a team. Sometimes my students have better writing days than others. When they are doing well, I will pick up on it, and test them that very day. Generally it's been successful. It has to be a good physical - hand-on, as well as mental day for them in court reporting.
We want our students to get the most out of their courses. Imcoporating the different learnign styles into the classromm can reach all the students, giving them the best chance for success. I am an auditory learner in an online program adn the constant frustration has caused me to consider quitting more than once.
If you can provide the material to your students in a way that they can learn it and know it, half of your job is done. Once the students see that they are retaining what they are being taught and can apply what they have learned in lab, they become more confident and want to learn even more. Supporting them in what ever way they learn is very important for your students.
Hi Wayne - It really is unrealistic to try to adress every learning style in every lesson. The best strategy is to try to address every style as often as possible (when a specific type of delivery fits with your lesson plan). It usually comes down to developing a mindset for teaching to the learning styles. After a while you will find that you do it automatically. Best wishes - Susan
Dear Bobbe- Thanks for your post to the forum. i like your idea of dividing groups by learning style to work on projects! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
There is such a variety of students and their learning skills vary as well. In some fields you cannot always meet the individual needs of all students, and, of course, it depends on the resources that are available to you. However, that being said, you could always split the students up into different groups i.e. visual w/ visual, auditory with auditory learning groups, etc. and assign them projects along those lines. You will probably get a better result in the end as far as what they picked up and remembered.
I really want my students to succeed. By tailoring my classroom presentations to meet the different learning styles will help to this goal. But I am still not sure how to meet the different learning styles of everyone at any given time.
Hi Gari- Thanks for your post to the forum. All of your suggestions involve students in their own learning which is ideal! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
1.educate about learning process
2.empower students with multiple choices - having choices is better than not having it or having limited number
3.to involve 100% of students into learning process
Simple, so they will learn and retain the information. This will lead to thier success.
It helps a student to retain more information if the instruction is delivered in their individual learning style.
It is very important to vary the methods you use to share information with students to accomodate all learning styles. I use video clips, music, and role playing, in addition to traditional note taking.
HI Scott- Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, I could not agree more! If we do not reach our students they will not learn. So, it makes so much sense to address their learning styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan ~
The students will more likely comprehend and fully utilize the information if it is received in a manor they are comfortable with.
Wilbur
