Warm Up How do you think knowing your learning style will make you a better student?

Why know learning styles? Research has shown that knowledge of learning styles can help both educators and learners improve their effectiveness. (Hotta Dover)

Why should students know their learning style?

Video Questions You are about to see a video of a teacher who is instructing her students on learning style. Watch for answers to these questions: –How old were the students in this video? –Why did the teacher think that her students should have knowledge of their learning style?

Video Answers The students were in the 4 th grade The teacher believes that knowledge of personal learning style –Empowers students by putting them in charge of their own learning –Enhances a student’s confidence in his/her ability to learn

Why do teachers need to be aware of their students’ learning styles? What’s the big deal?

What should a teacher do? Help students to recognize their learning style Allow students to participate in activities that align with learning style

Implications for Instruction Teachers should incorporate all learning styles into instruction. Students learn more when information is presented in a variety of modes than when only a single mode is used. (Felder & Henriques)

Teach someone else Do a site visit Do a dramatic presentation Simulate a real experience Do the real thing Watch Still Picture Watch moving picture Watch exhibit Watch demonstration Read Hear Words Levels of Abstraction People Generally Remember 10% of what they read 20% of what they hear 30% of what they see 50% of what they hear and see 70% of what they say or write 90% of what they say as they do a thing 95% of what they teach Someone else Verbal receiving Visual receiving Hearing, Saying, Seeing and Doing DALE’S CONE OF EXPERIENCE 1969

11 Nature Vs Nurture? Do you think learning styles are acquired biologically or environmentally? In other words, do teachers have the ability to influence the development of non-preferred learning styles?

Characteristics of Learning Styles Do these statements imply biological or environmental influences on learning style? Most learners have a dominant learning style. Learning styles can be strengthened. Learning styles remain stable over time

Should a teacher try to reinforce other learning styles? Can instructional activities influence the development of other learning modalities? Your thoughts?

The Bottom Line Learning styles are acquired biologically but can be influenced through experience What are the implications of this statement for a classroom teacher?

15 What if … Teaching styles and learning styles do not match Write down 3 outcomes. Teaching styles and learning styles do not match Write down 3 outcomes.

16 When teaching and learning styles don’t match Research has shown that “Stress, frustration, and burnout may occur when students are subjected over extended periods of time to teaching styles inconsistent with their learning style preferences. (Smith & Renzulli)

When learning and teaching styles don’t match … Students disengage from learning

When learning and teaching styles don’t match … Student engage in disruptive behaviors –Talking –Laughing –Throwing things –What else?

What’s a visual learner to do? Use pictures, maps, charts, and graphs that illustrate material Sit where you can view your teacher during lectures Take notes or ask your teacher to provide handouts or outlines Visualize information as a picture to aid memorization

What’s a kinesthetic learner to do? Take frequent study breaks Move around while learning new things (read on an exercise bike, etc.) Make flashcards and/or posters Use bright colors to highlight or take notes in colors instead of highlighting Have a mentor Do an experiment or some other hands-on activity to learn the material

What’s an auditory learner to do? Be active in class discussions Record lectures instead of taking notes Read text aloud Use mnemonics or stories & jingles to aid memorization Discuss ideas verbally Practice self-talk

One Minute Summary What do learning styles have to do with student achievement in the classroom?

Final Activity Your task is to create a classroom activity that supports all 3 learning styles. View the video ‘Reconfiguring your class for various learning styles’ to help you prepare for this activity.