Incorporating Learning Styles Theory in ISW lessons ISW Facilitator’s Conference June 13, 2009 By: Marjorie Contenti, SAIT Polytechnic

Agenda Bridge-In to learning styles: value of knowing about learning styles Objectives of this workshop Pre-assessment of audience knowledge of learning styles Small group activity Reflection Post-assessment and summary

Value of knowing more about learning styles An opportunity to reflect on, and explore, our own preferences An opportunity to develop a respect for the learning preferences of others An opportunity to s-t-r-e-t-c-h our own styles and add more tools to our learning and our teaching tool box A common vocabulary (which helps us understand concepts)

Objectives of this workshop As a result of this session, participants will be able to Identify the value of introducing a learning styles inventory to ISW participants Identify one or more methods of introducing learning styles in the ISW Assess the VARK learning preference inventory

Learning styles are the way we process information Learning is the process by which we retain knowledge and skills A Learning Style is the way we process information and experiences and then turn them into learning … or, think of it as the “ default ” position

Learning styles are varied Just different approaches to the way we learn. Note: these are preferences, not strengths Many tools to measure learning styles: Kolb, Gregorc, VARK, Multiple Intelligences, DISC, Kiersey, Meyers-Briggs, and over 100 inventories of learning styles Which have you used in your ISW?

Identify methods of introducing learning styles in the ISW List the learning styles inventories that are being taught in ISWs In small groups based on interest, discuss methods that have been used to introduce learning styles in ISWs Report methods to the large group If desired, exchange contact information for follow-up

A Learning style inventory: Kolb Accommodators Investigating the real world Discovery learning Tasks with little structure Personal involvement Risk taking Action oriented group activities Trying different solutions Divergers Self-expression and creativity Cooperative learning Sharing Group work Gathering information in novel ways Open-minded listening Imagining implications Convergers Structured assignments with clear directions Hands-on Specific and clear cut data Building physical products Choosing the best solutions Orderly Designing experiments Assimilators Ideas, concepts Orderly and logical Lectures Papers Readings Building conceptual models Analyzing data

Learning style:VARK modalities Visual Aural Read/Write Kinesthetic

One way of introducing learning style inventory in the ISW ISW facilitators have the participants do the following: Form small groups Each group chooses or is assigned one of the learning styles in the VARK Each group designs an activity that learners with that style would like and an activity they would not like Describe the activities to the large group

Reflection on using learning styles in the ISW Individually, or in pairs or groups from your institution, think about how you might incorporate a learning style inventory in your ISW Next steps?

Post Assessment and Summary Did you accomplish these objectives? Identify the value of introducing a learning styles inventory to ISW participants Identify one or more methods of introducing learning styles in the ISW Assess the VARK learning preference inventory