learning styles
Reconizing learning styles early on can be very effective for the sucess of the class.
Steven,
Today's students see all incoming information as equal. The hierarchy of Teacher then student is not the same. The role is evolving into facilitation of learning. Over the course of my educational career I have learned that the less I talk the more students learn. It is the design of the instruction for delivery through technology that makes the difference.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
As computers become more prevalent (and required) in automotive classrooms, it becomes increasingly important to address the dichotomy in our current understanding of their impact on student attention and learning. While some researchers report increased student learning, others view computers as a distraction to learning. To address this conflict, we are conducting research aimed at gaining a fundamental understanding of how students use their computers in-class and how student attention is connected to learning and pedagogical practice. By gaining such an understanding, instructors’ design of classroom interventions aimed at increasing positive computer usage will be better informed.
Kaitlin,
This is a great idea. Students see their learning style in a public figure.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
i have also found it helpful to associate different learning styles to quotes or to actors, it helps the student take a figure they recogise and then place them in a specific category of a learning type. real world associations have always been beneficial in the classroom for me.
John,
Is the humor related to the content or is it more of a personal nature?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I have to agree with you on the humor part. I use humor in my classes a lot. I found it a useful stress relieving tool for the students on their first days in class. It helps to put them at ease and lets them know I am not a hard guy to get along with. However, you must find a balance so that they still take you serious and that there is a place and time for jokes. When we get in the lab/shop, I make it very clear that there is no joking or horseplay at this time.
Wayne,
This can also help them learn how to work with others.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
At the beginning of the students first course in Basic Engines or Service writing we go over very thoroughly the 4 learning styles. We also let the students know that our job as an instructor is to cover the 4 learning styles. I always encourage my students to observe and try the other learning styles. So that they may understand the benefits of other learning styles to help them along in the classes ahead of them.
Manny ,
Can you provide and example of the latter?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We're at an advantage because the school we teach in is pretty much 1 type of learner, the hands on type. We do cater to other styles as well when presented
Warren,
Thank you for your post. You share the insights of several that have posted in this discussion or similar.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
David,
This is a good observation. Yes, while there may be a dominant learning style for a student they do have other learning styles.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I teach at an automotive tech school I believe recognizing learning styles early is very important. You have to focus on a number of students with various learning styles so as an instructor you need to have a blend of learning styles so you connect with the whole class.In the lab is where you see how well the student received and understands the information.
While I agree that recognizing learning styles early on is paramount to success it also must be recognized by the instructor that focusing on one style for a particular student may not be enough. Once you identify a students dominant learning style it certainly ok to zero in there but don't forget that people can be and all to often are a blend of learning styles which makes it importanant to use as many different methods as necessary to cover all of the learning styles.
Ronald,
Absolutely. Addressing all learning styles ultimately makes for a better experience for everyone.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Bryan,
Humor is supportive when incorporated as you seem to have done so. Thanks.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The earlier you can identify the students learning styles the more effective you can reach out to help different learning types.
Reconizing learning styles is an important tool to reach more students more completly, as well.
i try and relate to them on a tv or movie level by putting out movie quotes if makes them laugh laugh out loud sometimes i'll put one out there and they have not clue then i start to see how old i'm learning styles are impotant but having fun with there learning style makes them all on the same page
