Learning Styles
I was thinking about the different learning styles and how some may decrease a student's participation in an online class. It may be an ineteresting exercice for student's to individually assess their own learning styles so th ones who may be avoiding or dependent may recognize it and work past their natural tendencies to not participate. Also praising the student's who are not as quick to post as the more outgoing students may boost confidence and increase their participation.
Kenneth,
Very good recommendation. This method bolsters the student-student bond for strengthening the whole learning community. Thanks for sharing. You can also ask the question in a manner to establish a positive foundation.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Based on the fact learners have different learning styles or a combination of styles, you are correct in that online facilitators have to be active in addressing their modes of learning in order to provide significant experiences for each learner.
To encourage late comer to join in the discussion, I have responded to one learners’ posting to the discussion board for example by asking another student their thoughts on the posting. While everyone is required to participate, the method tend to foster an earlier response than normal.
Latasha,
Thank you for sharing your strategy. What is the means by which your students find their learning style?
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I tell the students the first day of class to find there learning style and discuss it with the class. tell the class the weakness of this learning style and the strength. So they are aware of how the will learn from me and How I can help them better o learn the course.
Marshall,
Reassurance and encouragement can go a long way to helping students overcome self-doubt and fear of new learning experiences. Very good work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It can be a challenge to accomodate everyone in terms of learning styles, but I find those who may be struggling will email at the beginning of the class, I take additional time to reassure the student that the delivery of the class online is no differwent from face to nface classes.
Christopher,
This is very good. Providing the chat session that explains learning styles to your students is a terrific way to get them to participate in the ownership of their own education. It also helps them to understand that you understand some of the challenges they are facing. Excellent point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Karen,
I am so very glad to know that this is a valuable experience for you. Like most things, you will get out of it what you put into. So, thank you for your time and effort you have invested into this class.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I thought this part of the online course was quite fascinating. I really will pay closer attention to my students' different learning styles, and try to accommodate them the best I can. This class is really taking me to a new level as an instructor
I agree with your thread. I personally have a chat session in which learning styles are explained. Since we all have different levels of learning styles, it is important that students be aware of how they best learn information. Similarly, it is just as important to present information through multiple mediums (visual, auditory, etc.).
Valerie,
This is a concern of many educators. It is definitely to the student's advantage to be 'screened' for adeptness to the online learning environment. There are many students in today's online classrooms that may be better served in a traditional classroom. Thank you for sharing your concern.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I am a little concerned with the fact that some students are not on line learners and need that one-on-one experience.
Melissa,
You are very correct. Sometimes encouraging and positive questions in the open forum can assist students to participate in the class had large. Also, individualized private questions via in class e-mail can provide a safe, non-public support for more timid students. Very good idea. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It also may not be a bad idea to post questions specifically to those students who you see that shy away from participating. That way it will force them to participate and get the conversation started for them. Some people just aren't as comfortable starting up a dicussion and sometimes need a little push to get started.
Lauren,
These are all good ideas. As you work in your online classes and find your own style, these ideas will expand into (almost) automatic processes for you. In today's online classroom, there are very few approaches that are "one-size-fits-all" for instructors. It seems you are off to a good start and thinking along the right lines.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
