Learning style assessments in class
I teach several classes where the students test themselves for learning styles and intelligences. As part of development and to prove that they have some factor of all 7 intelligences -- I make them try at least one new study method outside their learning style, AND learn to do something new in a less strong intelligence area.
Susan,
Thank you for sharing this example with us. This is exactly what we need to know as we customize our instruction to engage our students. The more we know the more accurate we can be. I used pretesting with all my students so I can plan more accurately for my students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use both pre-tests and assessment of learning styles with students at the beginning of each quarter. I had a student tell me she was having difficulty in Medical Terminology. She reminded me she was a hands on learner and she was having difficulty with grasping her new language. I was able to develop some new learning strategies to help her be successful in the course.
Shannon,
Good comments about the value of knowing how one learns or at least has a preference for learning. As instructors for us to know this as well helps us understand some of the learning challenges of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was in a school where all of the teachers took these assessments as well. I have found that taking that assessment and listening to others with different learning styles has helped me guide my students with either my own style, or other learning styles. Many students do not really know how they learn or study best, but by guiding, modeling, and helping them through the process they eventually understand how they learn best and usually agree with the outcome.
Hi Jennifer,
I like your approach to this issue and will try to do something similar with my classes in the future. As an English teacher, I am sometimes frustrated by students who make little or no effort to learn something if it doesn't fit their preferred learning style.
And I often think students aren't truly informed about their own multiple intelligences and capabilities, but would rather use the "I'm a visual learner" credo as an excuse (for themselves and their teachers) to avoid learning something new.
Marcia,
There a numerous websites that list learning style assessments. I would review the secondary/elementary sites because they have some good ones that work with adults as well. There are some very simple ones as well as complex ones that can be taken off the internet. Do a little surfing and you will have more than you can imagine to choose from.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
yes a pretest is a good way to determine where everyone stands. then you can instruct accordingly.which will then be much more effective because you will then be able to reach each student on their level.
Where do you get learning style assessments to use in class, and a way to evealuate them?
Mary,
I would use a pretest as well. This way you can establish a baseline of knowledge as well as cognitive processing (learning preferences) so you can determine how best to deliver your content effectively.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I seem to get students who are lazy. I also get students who think they know everything. I am going to start using a basic learning style assessment on the first day of class to see how all the students will learn, and go from there. Any other ideas?
Jennifer,
This is a good idea to get them to extent themselves out of their traditional learning preference area. This is good preparation for when they are out in the work world.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
