In the 1970s and 1980s there were several studies that classified students into one of seven types of learning styles, encouraging teachers to use approaches in class to cater for the specific learners.
However, in the late
2010s, new studies revealed there is no evidence to back the idea of
learning styles, as it is impossible to categorise a person into one, as we all use a variety of styles to learn,
leading teachers to make sure they use a variety of activities and
approaches in class.
Here
is a link to and article in The Guardian that speaks about the latter
study:
My personal approach has always been using a variety of techniques to cater for the different
preferences and personalities of the students. I also believe that
the more varied you are in your approach, the more you help your
students learn and revisit what they are trying to learn.
We can do that with
a multisensory approach, which includes a variety of visual, auditory
and kinaesthetic activities within one lesson.
It
is very important for teachers to get to know learners and their
language needs.
Teachers
and learners must see a mistake as a positive part of a lesson.
That
also includes giving the right kind of feedback – even if that is
uncomfortable – while building rapport with learners. Learners need
to know where they need to improve their skills and knowledge, and
they need practical help to improve in those areas.
(1)
Some students may
thrive using traditional papers and pencils, while others prefer
collaboration or hands-on activities. If their preferences are
not recognised in the classroom, studying becomes boring, and
students tend to lose their motivation.
It’s
about giving your students a well-rounded and complete in-class
learning experience.
1. Visual (spatial)
Using pictures,
images, body language, facial expressions, videos.
Visual
displays, slide shows, posters, clips and other visual tools such as infographics.
Using
music and sound, discussions and mini-presentations.
Tone, pitch, speed and other phonological nuances of speech.
Reading texts aloud, integrating audio books, songs and movies.
Rhythm
and rhyming patterns, using mnemonics that play with alliteration,
acronyms, and rhyming to make information more memorable.
Detailed explanation over viewing a physical or visual demonstrations.
Interaction with words and sounds through
discussions, asking questions and teaching others. Presentations or scripted
speeches. Practice sounding out new words.
Using the body,
hands and sense of touch to explore the world.
Touch, feel and
experience. Games
such
as pantomime and charades.
Hands-on
experience is an invaluable learning tool, even for highly
theoretical people. A chance to gain practical
experience is essential for mastery of any subject.
Using logic,
reasoning and systems. Numbers, sequence
association and problem solving.
Activities
that involve multi-step processes, data collection, and mysteries. Using tables and charts.
Logically-oriented
materials that focus on structure.
Group learning. Verbal and apply what you have
learned in interactive settings.
Lessons on social awareness, etiquette or cultural differences. Peer editing, peer teaching and group discussions.
Learning
with others builds engagement and helps learners stay
accountable.
Quiet, work
alone with minimal directions from the teacher.
Self-study, solo projects.
Structured group activity that assigns distinctive
tasks and roles to every individual of the group.
Time concepts to absorb, opportunities to pace your
learning. (2)
Everyone has
personal preferences. Some people are more extroverted, others may
need real-life examples to understand a concept, while others handle theoretical material well.
But most of us process information best when we encounter it in a variety of ways, this means that as a teacher I aim to present a range of materials so that all learners can engage with it on multiple fronts.
But most of us process information best when we encounter it in a variety of ways, this means that as a teacher I aim to present a range of materials so that all learners can engage with it on multiple fronts.
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