Unit 4: Advanced Technology Teaching Tools – Discussion

1. Unit 4: Advanced Technology Teaching Tools – Discussion "Learning Styles"

2. Learning styles were introduced into the educational field as a way of narrowing down the most effective method of teaching individual students. Amongst the various learning styles, the most commonly referred to are Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic/Tactile types of learning. Visual learners are able to adapt information best from visual representation such as images, diagrams, and video. Auditory learners benefit the most from having information presented to them through lectures, podcasts, and also video formats. Kinesthetic learners achieve higher through physical activities and hand-to-hand interactions. Educators explore these broad terms in the hopes of increasing the productivity of individual learning in their classrooms. Although it may appear that understanding of learning styles would be widely accepted, a large debate over the categorization of students questions the validity and effectiveness of this teaching method.

3. The labeling of learning styles creates the misconception that students are only able to learn from one mode of thinking (Marshik, 2015). If a student is categorized early in their educational career as a kinesthetic learner they might develop the idea that other teaching methods, such as class lectures and readings, are a waste of their time and hinder their learning development. When examining early learning processes of children and adolescents all sensory elements are used to create a larger understanding of the ever changing complex world ahead of them. Is it necessary to tell a student that only one of their senses matters above the rest?

4. Processing and memorization of newly introduced information is done by connecting context and meaning of material. When a learner is able to assimilate new material with prior knowledge they are truly learning and learning styles do not enhance this process. Questions and scenarios that asked students to explain and/or give provide examples are higher level questions because they require students to connect information across different spheres of understanding. Learning styles fail by presenting the false notion that success can only be achieved through one method of learning and is a waste educator resources and time spent on the research of this topic.

5. While the topic of learning styles is unfortunately misused in the classroom it does contain set of helpful benefits. Teachers can use learning styles to find student preferences of learning methods to enhance their engagement in the classroom. By looking for sensory preferences teachers can implement ways for students to become more focused and involved in their work. This focus on preferences does not equate to new enhanced learning and memorization methods. Deep, concrete learning can only be achieved through internal understanding on materials. A larger benefit of learning styles pertains to students placed or in need of special education (Li., et al, 2016). Focusing in on sensory preferences teachers can make the learning process more accessible to those with disabilities. An example would be to use the kinesthetic/tactile learning style with students struggling with forms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

6. A larger benefit of learning styles pertains to students placed or in need of special education (Li., et al, 2016). Focusing in on sensory preferences teachers can make the learning process more accessible to those with disabilities. An example would be to use the kinesthetic/tactile learning style with students struggling with forms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

7. I personally believe that students, including myself, have learning style preferences and are fully capable of utilizing the all of the common styles and expanded spectrum. Although I do prefer the kinesthetic/tactile style, I use multiple forms throughout all of my classes. For an example, in my ceramics course in order to understand each lesson I need to be able to focus in on the professor's demonstrations, lectures (both visual and auditory) and practice individually with the clay or given materials (Kinesthetic).

8. Response to FarzanaSharmin’s Post 2/24/2017 Hi Farzana, you presented a well-organized and in-depth analysis of the seven learning types in your post. By explaining examples along with strong definitions of the common and lesser known styles, I was able to fully comprehend the large range of available teaching methods. I also enjoyed your example of how you would use your stronger learning style in your future classroom. I believe that using your visual learning style would benefit your classroom through strong teacher modeling and creating vibrant discussions amongst students.

9. Response to Alex Williamson’s Post 2/24/2017 Hi Alex, I appreciate your statement concerning teachers taking a multi-modal approach to teaching rather than singling out one style. Using more than one learning style can make the introduction of new material more approachable and lead to stronger understanding of a lesson. The addition of the idea of cognitive training was an excellent piece of information to separate your discussion post from class and support the multi-modal approach. By introducing this idea I was able to understand the importance of making students experience as many styles as possible in order to continue cerebral development through sensory activities.

10. References Marshik, T. (Host). (2015, May 10). Learning Styles & the Importance of Critical Self-Reflection. TEDxUWLaCrosse. Podcast retrieved from ed.ted.com/on/u6CCXlNO Li, Y., Medwell, J., Wray, D., Wang, L., & Xiaojing, L. (2016). Learning Styles: A Review of Validity and Usefulness. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(10), 90-94. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1111359.pdf