Learning style varies from student to student. Every student acts differently in acquiring, absorbing and retaining information. Some may understand the verbal instructions while others may need video demonstration as well. In short, every student is different. It is very important for teachers to understand the difference between their students’ learning styles so that they can implement appropriate strategies into their lesson plans.
1. Matching learning styles
For a teacher, it is very difficult to match his teaching style with learning styles of all the students. However, it is difficult, not impossible. With a little effort, he can get to know his students’ learning styles. Students do outclass on a project/assignment when it matches their favourite learning method.
2. Know your students through VARK
Students learning styles can be broadly divided into four:
• V: Visual
• A: Auditory
• R: Read and write (linguistic)
• K: Kinesthetic (physical)
Learning styles are further divided into:
• Logical (Numerical)
• Interpersonal (social)
• Intrapersonal
A student may possess more than one learning style. A student who learns visually may also be a kinesthetic learner. For a better implementation of these learning styles into study techniques, it is essential for educators to figure out which type of learner a student is.
3. Interactive environment for learning (right mix of learning styles)
Educators must provide interactive and inclusive learning atmosphere so that no student can feel left alone. Teachers must promote team projects to allow every student be a part of the learning environment. This strategy can help in building upon their strengths. It is not practical to adopt a single teaching method. A teacher must incorporate multiple means of learning that can benefit every type of learner.
In this way, every student can get benefit according to his learning style. Tablets, laptops, blogging, YouTube videos and other technological means play a significant impact in today’s teaching style. Students learn more quickly through technology than traditional teaching methods.
4. Student-centred approach
A traditional teacher-centred approach may not work to cater learning style of every student. In this method, students are asked to act merely as listeners for listening and absorbing knowledge. They are not encouraged to participate in the classroom. An educator must adopt student-centred approach if he wants to reach out at every student’s mind. In this approach, teachers, while holding authority, welcome students to seek guidance by assisting them in every possible way. They engage them in the learning process.
5. Get students involved via fun and creativity
Some students are intelligent but careless towards studies. They learn through fun activities. To engage them in the class according to their learning style, teachers should adopt fun learning adventures to keep them motivated towards studies.
No two students are same. An excellent instructor is one who passes his knowledge with the best of his abilities to every student of the class. A good teacher must be able to effectively communicate the lesson according to the learning styles and capabilities of students.
References
Kellianne, H. (2016, October 11.) How to Accommodate Different Learning Styles in the Classroom. Retrieved September 29, 2017, from the Web.
Eric, G. (2013, January 5.) What is Your Teaching Style? 5 Effective Teaching Methods for Your Classroom. Retrieved September 29, 2017, from the Web.
Lawan Dalha 