LEARNING STYLES

Learning and Teaching on the surface may appear to be binary opposites. However, they are  not disconnected or in opposition, but, work on many levels and axes with each other. Therefore I find myself asking two important questions,

1. How do I engage the learner in an authentic learning experience by teaching effectively?
2. How do my learners learn, in order to engage in a valuable learning experience?

These questions I believe are essential elements that I need to consider, when designing lessons and constructing authentic learning experiences, when engaging in learning activities and teaching content. With this in mind, it is imperative to understand the different learning styles (how learners learn) of the learner and the teacher.  I became acutely aware of the different learning styles when I engage in a learning style questionnaire by Soloman and Felder   or see link below
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

The learning Styles identified in the questionnaire operate on four axes pertaining to two binaries each ,

1. Active and Reflective learners
2. Sending and Intuitive learners
3. Visual and Verbal learners
4. Sequential and Global learners

the outcome of the questionnaire identified my dominant learning style. It highlighted my preference towards Intuitive, Verbal and Global learning; it also simultaneously outlined the different learning preferences that learners may use. I found that, the difference in my learning preference,  to that of the learners that I teach could have a significant impact upon their learning experience. Thus, I believe as a teacher , I need to design learning experiences that accommodate the different and varied learning styles.

The questions that has been posed to me in my course are

"in a traditional classroom of 25 students, how would you support the range of learning styles each lesson?
I think that I may struggle with this at first but I could try to design lessons that Outlines the lesson in the introductory phase by writing on a white board or providing a handout mapping  out the steps of what is involved and where the lesson will go (provides sequential steps to follow and a global outcome) connecting it with an identifiable  application to highlight the expected outcome of the learning experience. This strategy also accommodates Visual and Verbal learners, whilst it is not comprehensive, it does provide a platform for visual and verbal learners to connect with the introductory phase of the lesson.   when it comes to the body of the lesson   practical excises such as Think-Pair-Share , Creating and Donating ideas and experience and knowledge can meet the needs of the varied learning styles.

With my current knowledge of ICT's how could your design and digital pedagogy support your learners better?

When designing a learning experience I believe that it should have authentic use of digital resources such as Smart Boards, interactive web interfaces social networks or communities (Wiki's Blog's, Web sites etc.) that the learner may engage in to Create  (something new) and Donate their newly  acquired skill and knowledge set (sharing within a learning community) this notion of donate, either digital or analogue, or both  provides opportunities for Peer Teaching and interaction within a learning community beyond the confines of the classroom. Thus, the learner becomes involved in scaffolding their own learning experience as well as contributing to rich and diverse learning experiences.

What sort of profiling questions would you be asking about your learners to ensure you cater for everyone's preferences?

When it comes to profiling the learners so that I may be able to accommodate their learning styles I think I need to observe how the learners interact with each other and engage in the learning experience. Yet having said this it is important to know your learners: what are they interested in, in and out of the classroom. Having that level of connectivity with the learners can help gauge their learning styles. In the instance of teaching Secondary and to some extent Middle School perhaps a questionnaire would be of help; even the type of online questionnaire by Soloman and Felder can not only help me, but may assist the learner to identify their learning preference.  So yes when it comes to profiling the learner perhaps using a range of resources including collaborating with colleagues and consulting previous profiles that may be available. It is also important not to forget the value of student feedback including formative assessments.

How could ICT support differences in learning styles? 

Well I think that  because of its pure nature Information Communication and Technologies  when used authentically, within the learning experience does cater for all learning styles. Yet, for this to happen  the user of ICT's  and the Learning Manager (teacher) should embed  the philosophy and practice of Create and  Donate within their learning experience.


A Question for You:

How would  you use ICT's to engage the learner in an authentic learning experience that will cater to their diverse learning styles?