Should a teacher have to create assignments for every single learning style? Certainly not! But there are ways to make assignments work across several styles. For instance, the teacher could allow students to write a paper, record an oral paper, or do a video or PowerPoint of their paper. In the classroom, lectures could be accompanied by a written outline to fill in or or graphs and pictures. The lecture could be recorded for listening to later. Allowing students to work in small groups could reinforce the material in multiple styles. While students should learn in their preferred styles, they need exposure to other styles also; being comfortable with more than one style increases their chance for success.
The points below sum up my feelings about learning styles:
- They are an important tool; not a crutch
- Students should be made aware of their learning style(s)
- Teachers should coach students on how to learn with their learning style
- Teachers should NOT provide separate lessons for each student's style
- Teachers should plan assignments (when possible) that could be completed in a variety of ways according to learning styles
- Students should be held accountable for learning
As a teacher I agree with your points about learning styles. Exposing and challenging students to different learning styles only increase their chances for success.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! We share many of the same ideas about learning styles and preferences. I love your statement about "spare the rod, spoil the child". Sounds like we have a lot of the same "upbringing"! I think your blog looks very nice. I started to use this template, I thought it was very easy to view. Good job!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your posting, I also felt that we shared similar background and "upbringing." I have daughters that teach; the one that teaches in high school isn't allowed to flunk a student--they (teachers) get in trouble for it. I just don't see how that is helping the student!
Thank you for your comments; I truly appreciate them!
Jan, As always, you make really good points. I agree with your point that learning styles should not be used as a crutch - and excuse for not making the most of one's education. The idea of allowing assignments to be completed in different ways is a good one! One thing I have been thinking a lot about, and would like your opinion, is this - do you think that instructors tend to gravitate toward teaching to their own learning styles, intended or unintended? I wonder if trainers or instructors view some learners as more successful than others because their learning methods align with the teachers. Just thinking, or typing aloud.(auditory learner here Ü) Love your blog and looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy; I always value your opinion!
DeleteIt seems logical that a teacher would tend to teach in they same style in which they learn--especially if they are not familiar with the benefits of using different learning styles. I also think it is possible that many teachers teach in a manner mandated by the school, principal, dean, or whatever the "governing" figure is.
Please visit again soon!
Jan
This Ain't No Thinkin Thing ha ha ha I love love love it. Jan you are a pro at this bloging :)
ReplyDeleteJan,that is a good point you bring up about the way teachers teach. I think it is true that there are certain mandates set down by the powers that be. This is unfortunate because it stifles the teachers creativity and keeps the student from learning in an environment that could be better suited for them.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, nice blog.
ReplyDeleteI would comment on one of your points, "Teachers should coach students on how to learn with their learning style". I agree with the premise but I'd like to expand on it. I think there is real value in working on those individual learning styles that are not dominant in a learner.
Often, in the technical fields, course material can be particular about how it is delivered to a student. If the student is deficient in this teaching strategy they may have difficulty with the presentation of the material. I often see this in the areas of math and critical thinking. So my point is, offer memory, studying or other strategies that can assist the learner having difficulty, when teaching strategies are limited, and encourage the development of non-dominant learning styles when there is clear need.
Thank you for your response, Michael. I fully agree with you, which is why I suggested the opportunity to work in small groups so that students could be exposed to multiple styles. I feel that the more styles a person is comfortable with, the better their chances are of learning the material.
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