Design Your Learning Identifying Learning Style Preferences An IISME lesson by Tiffany Holliday Summer 2014

What is the ideal learning environment for my preferred learning style?

Unit Objectives Students will… ▫Identify and describe their preferred learning style ▫Research learning and teaching strategies for their identified style ▫Design their ideal learning environment based on the research and their preferences

Lesson 1

“Anyone? Anyone?” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” clip

“Anyone? Anyone?” What did you notice in this clip? What is happening? Are students learning anything in this class? Why not? What is the teacher doing (or not doing) that makes him ineffective? In what ways could the teacher improve instruction?

Learning Style Questionnaire Directions ▫Make a selection (a, b, c, d) for each question ▫Choose more than one response if the context is not clear ▫If you do not understand some part of a question or answers, skip it ▫Answer questions for yourself, not others ▫Answer in the context of learning, not social or leisure activities

Keep in mind…

Learning Styles Information Intake To take in information SWOT Study without tears Output To perform well on a test

Learning Styles Visual Aural Read/WriteKinesthetic Multimodal

Learn More 1.Review the “intake,” “SWOT,” and “output” information for your learning preference(s) and take notes on your handout. 2.Turn to a partner and orally describe your learning preference in your own words.

Reflection Prior to completing the questionnaire what did you previously know about learning styles? What was your initial reaction to the results? Were you surprised or was it what you expected? Explain. What are some strategies that you already use that match your preferences? What are 1-2 strategies you might try to help improve your focus in class or performance on tests?

Exit Slip What do you want to learn more about your learning style preference(s) or learning styles in general?

Questionnaire Results Poll*

Lesson 2

Connection to Fellowship From Dawn to Dusk: A Day in the Life of Dow Products

Overview of Assignment Now that you know your preferred learning style(s) it’s time to put that knowledge to good use. After researching more about your learning style preferences, create the ideal learning environment for your style. First decide if you want to design the ideal classroom environment or the ideal home learning environment (like where you do your homework and studying).

Requirements Use at least 3 credible online sources in your research in addition to the VARK website Design the learning environment in one of the following formats: ▫Diagram, sketch, or 3D model/diorama* (try using gliffy.com) ▫Written description ▫Song ▫Video ▫Slideshow/Power Point Address each of the following for your learning style preference and demonstrate the required number of examples for each: ▫What the physical space should look like and include (think about the 5 senses) ▫The intake – how you like to get information ▫Suggested learning activities for your style ▫How best to show mastery or what to do while taking a test* ▫Advantages and disadvantages of the style*

Charts to Support Research Name of Resource/Site URLWhat information it gives me Example Tips for Educators on Accommodating Different Learning Styles u/dss/resources/faculty staff/howtoteachandac commodate/howtoacc ommodatedifferentlear ningstyles/  Characteristics of different learning styles  Tips for teachers on what do to in class to reach each of the learning styles

Charts to Support Research Physical Space/Environment/SensesIntake – getting information Learning ActivitiesShowing mastery/taking a test AdvantagesDisadvantages

Getting Started A few resources to get started with: ▫ _Teaching_Tips/ _Teaching_Tips/ ▫ ff/howtoteachandaccommodate/howtoaccommod atedifferentlearningstyles/ ff/howtoteachandaccommodate/howtoaccommod atedifferentlearningstyles/ ▫ resources/articles-books/best- practice/instructional-methods/150-teaching- methodshttp://teaching.uncc.edu/learning- resources/articles-books/best- practice/instructional-methods/150-teaching- methods ▫

Due Dates Assignment given: __________ Research due: __________ Final product due: _________

Example using Gliffy Headphones to listen to music and watch videos on subject, sticky notes for lists, coffee to keep me energized. Chart paper or white board to draft ideas Snacks! Alternative to desk work – reading chair near windows for natural light Reading and writing materials (books, notebooks)

Lesson 3

“Anyone? Anyone?” What advice do you have now?

Learning Style Preference Form What it is…What it isn’t… A conversation starter A helpful resource for your teachers A way to show you value your teachers and your education A list of suggestions A list of requirements or demands A guarantee that a teacher will do what you ask A guarantee that your grade will improve

Reflection Provide some feedback and reflection for this assignment. Respond to any of the following: ▫How did this unit/project go for you? ▫Was it valuable and worthwhile? Why or why not? ▫How will you use this information now and in the future? ▫What would you want someone who has not done this project to know before they get started? ▫General comments