Dealing with different learners
An instructor needs to love and understnd the learning methods of differnt students some students need to discuss, some need to see pictures. An instructor needs to acknowlege her students
Jeffrey,
you are right that this kind of diversity does make reaching the entire class a challenge. Way to go on your part that you acknowledge this is happening & are trying to reach all of them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a chef instructor who loves to teach the art of cooking I need to acknowledge what each student hopes to gain from my knowledge.
The person that wants to just learn to cook for her family to the person that wants to open their own restaurant to the person that wants to be next iron chef. They all need different motivators and want to take discussions in different directions.
I am able to handle this and it makes teaching fun but it makes it hard to keep daily topics on track.
Khouloud,
you are right that we need to try & reach every student with their preferred learning style. If we teach to all styles, we have a much better chance of reaching all learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In order to ensure that the delivery of instruction in the classroom is effective, an instructor must identify the learning style of each student. In addition, an instructor must employ all learning styles during a lecture, as doing so will most likely enhance student comprehension of the subject matter. For instance, adding a PowerPoint presentation to a lecture will support the visual and auditory learning styles.
Pearlmarie,
yes, I have heard this as well. I tell these students that in their professional careers they will more than likely need to work in groups or teams at some point so this is good prep for that. Also, many times this is simply an excuse because they don't want to go to the extra work it takes to have a successful group project.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Francine,
and by being understanding of & open to the different learning methods or styles, we stand a greater chance of reaching each learner.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Have you found this to be sensitive with some learners? I have found that some students are so focused on the intense subject matter that, at times, they say that "grouping" is a waste of time and they would rather work individually.
