Learning Styles, Pedagogy, Assessment Chris O’Neal UVA Instructional Design 1

Introductions You received a new ipad, digital camera, or some other gadget as a gift. Once it is out of the box, how do you prefer to learn to use it? Introduce yourselves, discuss above scenario 2

Learning Styles / Multiple Intelligences The concept of “Multiple “Intelligences” is typically thought of as what’s grown inside our own intelligence, what we are better equipped to do – dance, sing, write, etc. Learning styles typically focuses more on what we need or prefer in order to learn, grasp new concepts, assimilate new information, etc. Typically, learning styles are what instructors can focus on, since we have more control on varying these inputs. 3

Learning-Style Reflections K12 Lack of attention to learning styles in younger learners may be one cause of discipline issues We’ve put students in a group in which one needs quiet, personal time to learn information, while one next to him has to feel/touch in order to grasp concepts The same can be said for adult learners 4

Poll Everywhere Two poll questions: Poll Everywhere is a free website which allows you to conduct surveys, polls, brief assessments, etc. 5

3 Broad Learning Styles Visual (learning by looking at and interacting with images) Kinesthetic (learning by experiencing and doing) Auditory (learning by listening) 6

Reflect on what you read Reflect alone: Did you like reading a short article on the computer screen? What did you find out in the article? Did you see yourself in any of the scenarios? If you had an alternate way of getting the information from that article, what format would you choose? Discuss the above with a neighbor 7

Learning Style Inventory Complete survey Read results 15 minute stretch break with assignment – view others at work/school – how do you see them learning? 8

Thoughts? Questions for the group? Things to share? Picture a spouse / friend / child whose learning style is very different from yours. Share? 9

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Pedagogy – the art of teaching Managing the process, context, and content of learning activities. 11

Planning with Learning Styles in Mind Besides just lecturing, reading, writing, group discussions, might I incorporate: Labs, field work, observations, films, simulations, problem-solving Logs, journals, brainstorming, discussion, questions, Simulations, case studies, homework, projects, field work Web-based activities, cell-phone assessments, tablet apps 12

Learning Style Overview Dr. Janice McIntyre shares brief thoughts on Learning Styles 13

Learning Style Summary Research and implementation of learning style theory does not suggest that we “only let learners learn the way they prefer.” Human nature is such that we may say we “prefer” a learning or instructional style, simply because it’s easiest or most efficient The overall intention is to consider the various methods, practices, media, experiences, and assessments that were incorporated throughout a course/learning experience 14

Technology’s role “Web 2.0” tools – blogs, wikis, online surveys, social networking can allow instructors to vary teaching methods and address learning styles in ways not possible in the past Mobile device access supports this even more Consider “old school” methods, and explore new methods to enrich the course objectives and student experiences 15

Technology’s role An avenue to accomplish learning strategies Available everywhere Accommodates numerous learning styles, teaching styles If constructed carefully, enhances course work 16

Let’s play Wordle – visualizing text Animoto – video Glogster – poster sessions Google Drive/Docs – collaborative writing Poll Everywhere – surveys, visual results Diigo – social bookmarking, linear organization Evernote – overarching organizational tool – text, audio, video, images 17

Thank you Chris on Twitter 18