think we need to keep an open mind about the different ways of teaching because student learn at differnt paces.
It is important to offer variety in teaching methods, but only delivering information in a student's preferred method does not teach them to find new ways to learn
I think its important for students to learn outside of their comfort zone to help prepare them for different things life will pass their way. I teach culinary arts and I implement many approaches to learning, not only to ensure I am reaching all of the students at one point but also to challenge others in new areas they may not be fully comfortable with.
Some of the controversy I’ve seen in discussions related to gearing education to ‘generations’ of learners relates directly to this concept. Let’s say that younger generations may tend to prefer an ‘edutainment’-style approach in class as opposed to an older generation member’s expectations that a teacher ‘teaches’ by lecturing, while the student sits quietly and takes notes, is one contrast to consider. The controversy leans toward concerns that tailoring education to suit learner preferences might not provide them with sufficient opportunities to build other learning styles or practice other techniques, which might be needed in a work environment that is NOT likely to gear itself toward their preferred style.
Students will usually take the path of least resistance, doing what they are comfortable with. Many times i find it takes letting the students experiment to find what will work for them.
Hi Nicole,
You might try to new strategies that move both you and your students outside of traditional formats. This way you can see how it works and start to develop a feel for how you might want to implement different approaches to your instructional delivery.
Gary
I would love to have more training on this subject. Everytime I read and study this topic, I think about how I felt in class.We are all so different.
I think we need to keep an open mind about the different ways of teaching because student learn at differnt paces.
Each class that I teach, now, I incorporate new ideas and ways of reaching my students. I have learned so much and am very appreciative!
Jo Ann,
I agree with your points. If we are truly interested in career learners' success, then we must challenge them -- indeed PREPARE them -- for the way that life will challenge them. Helping students meet those challenges will give them confidence moving forward.
Yes, I agree with the module that we need to be aware of students' preferred methods, but to cater only to those methods is to do a disservice to the student.
Some aspects of my classes can be technical and often students get very concerned about being able to learn the material. It is important to offer them multiple ways of learning the difficult topics. I also offer to review their assignment prior to submission. This gives them a comfort level and a feeling that they aren't totally on their own.
Hi Paul,
Keep up your efforts. Students need to have skill sets in a number of different areas if they are going to be successful as you well know. So the more encouragement you can offer them during this learning time the greater their skill acquisition will be.
Gary
The module pointed out that despite students learning best in certain intelligences, they need to branch out in order to meet employer demands in the real world. I can attest. Students in a Gen-ed class in a culinary school can sometimes falter due to their dependence on tactile learning. I try to point out to them that as leaders intheir field, they'll need to be "multi-tool players".
