Learning Styles ALL STUDENTS ARE CREATED EQUALLY (AND DIFFERENTLY.)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://us.hudson.com/portals/us/images/content/200-learning-styles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://us.hudson.com/portals/us/images/content/200-learning-styles.jpg" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns differently. Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in which the student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. For example, when learning how to build a clock, some students understand the process by following verbal instructions, while others have to physically manipulate the clock themselves. This notion of individualized learning styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and classroom management strategy. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as well as one’s prior experience. In other words: everyone’s different. It is important for educators to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles, so that they can implement best practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments.</div> <h2 style="color: #363636; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; height: 33px; line-height: 33px; margin: 10px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;"> UNDERSTANDING VARK</h2> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> One of the most accepted understandings of learning styles is that student learning styles fall into three “categories:” Visual Learners, Auditory Learners and Kinesthetic Learners. These learning styles are found within educational theorist <a href="http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=biography" style="color: #990000; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Neil Fleming's VARK Model of Student Learning">Neil Fleming</a>’s VARK model of Student Learning. VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic. (The VARK model is also referred to as the VAK model, eliminating Reading/Writing as a category of preferential learning.) The VARK model acknowledges that students have different approaches to how they process information, referred to as “preferred learning modes.” The main ideas of VARK are outlined in Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree! (Fleming & Baume, 2006)</div> <ul style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; list-style-image: url(http://teach.com/wp-content/themes/teach/_/img/bullet.png); margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;"> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Students’ preferred learning modes have significant influence on their behavior and learning.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Students’ preferred learning modes should be matched with appropriate learning strategies.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Information that is accessed through students’ use of their modality preferences shows an increase in their levels of comprehension, motivation and metacognition.</div> </li> </ul> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Identifying your students as visual, auditory, reading/writing or kinesthetic learners, and aligning your overall curriculum with these learning styles, will prove to be beneficial for your entire classroom. Allowing students to access information in terms they are comfortable with will increase their academic confidence.</div> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6621" height="394" src="http://corp-mat1-mktgorg-mini-prod.2u.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Learning-Styles.png" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; vertical-align: middle;" title="Learning Styles" width="633" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px;"></span><br /> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> By understanding what kind of learner you and/or your students are, you can now gain a better perspective on how to implement these learning styles into your lesson plans and study techniques.</div> <h2 style="color: #363636; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; height: 33px; line-height: 33px; margin: 10px 0px; text-transform: uppercase;"> SWOT STRATEGIES</h2> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Referred to as SWOT (“Study Without Tears”), Flemings provides advice on how students can use their learning modalities and skills to their advantage when studying for an upcoming test or assignment.</div> <h3 style="color: #990000; font-family: museoslab, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 10px 0px;"> Visual SWOT Strategies</h3> <ul style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; list-style-image: url(http://teach.com/wp-content/themes/teach/_/img/bullet.png); margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;"> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Utilize graphic organizers such as charts, graphs and diagrams.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Redraw your pages from memory.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Replace important words with symbols or initials.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Highlight important key terms in corresponding colors.</div> </li> </ul> <h3 style="color: #990000; font-family: museoslab, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 10px 0px;"> Aural SWOT Strategies</h3> <ul style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; list-style-image: url(http://teach.com/wp-content/themes/teach/_/img/bullet.png); margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;"> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Record your summarized notes and listen to them on tape.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Talk it out. Have a discussion with others to expand upon your understanding of a topic.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Reread your notes and/or assignment out loud.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Explain your notes to your peers/fellow “aural” learners.</div> </li> </ul> <h3 style="color: #990000; font-family: museoslab, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 10px 0px;"> Read/Write SWOT Strategies</h3> <ul style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; list-style-image: url(http://teach.com/wp-content/themes/teach/_/img/bullet.png); margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;"> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Write, write and rewrite your words and notes.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Reword main ideas and principles to gain a deeper understanding.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Organize diagrams, charts, and graphic organizers into statements.</div> </li> </ul> <h3 style="color: #990000; font-family: museoslab, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 10px 0px;"> Kinesthetic SWOT Strategies</h3> <ul style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.003px; list-style-image: url(http://teach.com/wp-content/themes/teach/_/img/bullet.png); margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;"> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Use real life examples, applications and case studies in your summary to help with abstract concepts.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Redo lab experiments or projects.</div> </li> <li><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> Utilize pictures and photographs that illustrate your idea.</div> </li> </ul> <div style="color: #636363; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"> How do you learn best? Complete Fleming’s <a href="http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire" style="color: #990000; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="VARK Questionnaire">VARK Questionnaire</a> to find out what kind of learner you are.</div> </div>

Learning Styles ALL STUDENTS ARE CREATED EQUALLY (AND DIFFERENTLY.)

The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns differently. Technically, an individual’s learning st...

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Technology and Teaching: Finding a Balance

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBzmKiB1aMkwWheJcPVkPd44cyl5RF-X7hPNbnFG4Ea7XIUCmaEOJ7s5PGD8lYTOua28OwSdAp81VvWiAkqWUuwRqP12sETOF3-Zs26AxNS_Pp2b-LqR40tRI4Yz74-tGpA8HHorz7Dg/s1600/marcinek-teaching-technolog-balance-thinkstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBzmKiB1aMkwWheJcPVkPd44cyl5RF-X7hPNbnFG4Ea7XIUCmaEOJ7s5PGD8lYTOua28OwSdAp81VvWiAkqWUuwRqP12sETOF3-Zs26AxNS_Pp2b-LqR40tRI4Yz74-tGpA8HHorz7Dg/s320/marcinek-teaching-technolog-balance-thinkstock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> There is no doubt that finding the time to integrate technology is an overwhelming task for anyone. Throughout the course of a day, teachers find themselves pulled in many directions. However, technology is already integrated in nearly everything we do and nearly every job our students will encounter. So how do educators find an ideal balance for learning about and eventually integrating technology? It begins with a focus followed by good instructional design -- but ultimately, a healthy balance.</div> <h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 21px; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Tomorrow's Literacy</h3> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> <a class="external-link" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/10/opinion/brooks-thinking-for-the-future.html?_r=3&" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Technology is a literacy that is expected in higher education and in our economy.</a> It is a universal language spoken by the entire world, regardless of the profession. Our current students will encounter one of the toughest job markets in generations. Gone are the days of falling into a profession and riding that wave for 30-plus years. However, it's not to say those jobs aren't still available. They are, but they're dwindling as automation and outsourcing continue to expand.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> <a class="external-link" href="http://chronicle.com/article/A-College-Degree-Sorts-Job/137625/#id=overview" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The contemporary job market requires us to adapt, continually learn, and apply various skill sets in many directions.</a> We have to multitask, connect beyond the workday, and collaborate and connect both locally and globally. And while I am promoting that exposure to technology and digital tools is essential, we must do so responsibly. Teaching students how to balance technology usage along with offline socializing and interpersonal skills is essential. But it's irresponsible to proclaim that technology simply distracts, diminishes social skills, and holds lesser value than other content areas. And to do so not only lets our students down, but also negates the mission statements emblazoned on the walls of our schools.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> It's equally important to expose students to information literacy skill sets. As databases grow and information continues to evolve into paperless formats, it is essential to teach students how to question effectively and efficiently. In a world flooded with information to read, libraries have never been more important. Along with digital and information literacy skill sets, it's still vital that we promote and encourage a love of reading across all formats -- along with a facility for questioning, analyzing, discerning and synthesizing with other media.</div> <h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 21px; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> 3 Examples of Balanced Tech Integration</h3> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> Integrating technology doesn't have to consume your life as an educator. In fact, if a little time is spent on, say, Google Drive, teachers can eventually save time and paper, while collaborating more effectively with students. Personally, in my previous classrooms, I didn’t seek to integrate every free web tool that <a class="external-link" href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Richard Byrne</a> posted. However, I simply used his site (and many others) as a resource. I referenced that resource at the beginning of each new semester and made decisions based on what I was teaching. Ultimately I focused on the underlying learning objectives that I wanted, complete with students, and found digital tools to complement or enhance those skills.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> Here are some examples:</div> <h4 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.333em; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Edmodo</h4> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> If I wanted to introduce my students to collaborative learning spaces or integrate a scaled-down learning management system (LMS), I would use<a class="external-link" href="https://www.edmodo.com/" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Edmodo</a>. I'd research examples of how other teachers were using this tool by simply performing a search for "Edmodo in the classroom." This would present me with a baseline for how other teachers were using this tool. Another option is to ask on Twitter how teachers are leveraging this app in their classrooms.</div> <h4 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.333em; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Google Sites</h4> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> Another tool I have used and shared with teachers as a digital portfolio system is <a class="external-link" href="http://www.google.com/sites/overview.html" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Google Sites</a>. Again, I recommend performing a search for "Google Sites digital portfolio." What you'll find is a great starting point and a host of examples for how this tool can help you.</div> <h4 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.333em; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Google Drive</h4> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> I've used <a class="external-link" href="https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2424384?hl=en" style="color: #1e64b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Google Drive</a> nearly every year that I've taught. In my opinion, it's one of the best tools to impact the writing process since the red pen. In the classroom, Google Drive can be leveraged in a variety of ways. However, this post is about finding a happy balance between teaching and integrating technology. The last time I used Drive, I created a shared class folder with students before the first day of school. I populated it with dated folders and assignments that all students had access to. Similarly, I had students share a folder with me for homework on their first day. This folder would be their digital dropbox.</div> <h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, 'Arial Narrow', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 21px; margin: 1em 0px 0.3333em; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> Opportunities, Not Apps</h3> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> The key in all of this is good instructional design along with a consistent vision and culture built by school administration. Find applications that promote and strengthen a variety of skill sets for students, not just one or two. The applications listed above present a myriad of options for teaching and learning far beyond what I shared. However, when you're starting out with tech integration, find a focus. Getting caught up in the never ending, always expanding world of web 2.0 applications and iPad or Android apps will only confuse your students and, inevitably, frustrate you. Also, seek out instructional technology specialists or coaches in your school for help. Understand that it's OK to ask a student -- they know a lot!</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> As an administrator, seek to promote a culture of sharing around technology along with a pace that is comfortable for every level of user. Reinforce the idea that learning goals and objectives -- not devices or applications -- still drive classroom engagement. An administrator's biggest mistake is to make technology seem like a mandated item. Also, be sure your staff understands that a classroom technology misstep does not mean a negative evaluation. Rather, see it as a step in the learning process.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.0005px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"> Before we rush to judgment on technology integration as another sweeping phase in education, we should focus on finding a healthy balance for integrating technology in our respective classrooms. Ignore the clutter of overzealous edtech enthusiasts and find your focus to design your own instruction. Ultimately it's not about how many apps we integrate, but about providing our students with the best access and opportunities to contemporary learning resources. As educators, we must prepare our students for their future, not ours.</div> </div>

Technology and Teaching: Finding a Balance

There is no doubt that finding the time to integrate technology is an overwhelming task for anyone. Throughout the course of a day, ...

More information