Articles On Learning Styles
Learning Styles Can Become Learning Strategies
http://www.ntlf.com/html/pi/9511/article1.htm
McKeachie’s article reminds teachers and students that learners will not always find themselves in a situation that has been modified to meet their preferences. Teachers need to provide students with the skills and strategies to learn effectively in a situation that doesn’t match their preferred style of learning. While we have placed much emphasis on the importance of learning styles during this course, it is important that a teacher does not create the impression that a student cannot learn unless we match our instruction to a particular learning style. The key is offering a variety of activities throughout the course to meet the needs of as many students as possible.
Student-Centered Learning
Teachers may have a strong understanding of different learning styles, but students (especially younger ones) may not. Staurt’s article offers an interesting look into the importance of explaining to students how they learn. Two classrooms are discussed and show how multiple intelligences and Bloom’s taxonomy can be used to help motivate students and allow them to take charge of their learning. By combining these two methods, I feel students will realize substantial gains academically. Because my course will be designed primarily for younger students who are having difficulties in school, it is important for them to understand their strengths and abilities. Traditional classrooms may have not allowed these students to achieve success. By becoming more aware of their thinking and learning styles they may have a chance to be successful in the future.
Because of the nature of my articles, I’ve included several related sites students might find of interest or help:
1. A site that offers a test to determine learning style preferences. The questions are simple and written in easy to understand language appropriate for younger students. It also includes a list of strategies and suggestions to aid students with different learning styles.
http://www.svsu.edu/aac/CITE.html
2. A quick and easy guide that lists materials and activities to address the multiple intlelligences.
http://www.coedu.usf.edu/~morris/multiple.html
3. A site to assess your teaching style. With all the focus on the student, don’t forget yourself!
http://snow.utoronto.ca/Learn2/mod3/tchstyle.html
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