I've been reading up on this recently, as I'm looking for better ways to help me kids with their school work. From what I read it seems like learning styles were fake, because they aren't a consistent model and we aren't born this way. For example a student might understand a physics concept best through a hands on experiment but a history concept by listening to the concept in an narrative format. Plus it seems that part of it is preference based on familiarity. However I don't think it 's the warm and fuzzy part that is the issue. I actually think it isn't fuzzy enough. In my experience the way someone learns best is to present the information in a way that is interesting and engaging to that student. Telling students about history through dramatic and action filled stories, retelling classic literature in a modern setting to help kids relate to it, and whenever possible do a science project that allows them to make choices so they can learn from their mistakes.
I also think it's nice to give students additional material that matches their interest rather than their learning style. Like giving a kid that you know is into Manga a graphic novel about the subject you are studying.
The problem with learning styles is that if you keep trying to make the material match how you think that student learns best instead of getting to know the student and giving them material that interest and engages them.
The answer is more fuzziness and to be more like Mr. Rogers, who always took time to listen to the kids and treat them respectfully. And for people who have never taught to stop telling teachers how to teach at let teachers listen to their students and use their instincts to teach in a way that fits the kids, the material, and the teacher.
WOW! I felt like my "other half" was writing this piece! I learned, as things happened. Direct and to the point, Weirdo Teacher 05 has reminded me, once again and to my great relief, I am not crazy. I, just like many others of my generation, strongly dislike one human "owning or directing", another's life. I know what I learned and how I learned it. True, it isn't all sitting in a classroom, we learn from experience and we start learning from birth. How ever it is presented, emotions, feelings, physical touch, all are clearly understood even if , at times, they are ever so slightly veiled. Powerful, thought provoking piece!! Thank You!
I've been reading up on this recently, as I'm looking for better ways to help me kids with their school work. From what I read it seems like learning styles were fake, because they aren't a consistent model and we aren't born this way. For example a student might understand a physics concept best through a hands on experiment but a history concept by listening to the concept in an narrative format. Plus it seems that part of it is preference based on familiarity. However I don't think it 's the warm and fuzzy part that is the issue. I actually think it isn't fuzzy enough. In my experience the way someone learns best is to present the information in a way that is interesting and engaging to that student. Telling students about history through dramatic and action filled stories, retelling classic literature in a modern setting to help kids relate to it, and whenever possible do a science project that allows them to make choices so they can learn from their mistakes.
I also think it's nice to give students additional material that matches their interest rather than their learning style. Like giving a kid that you know is into Manga a graphic novel about the subject you are studying.
The problem with learning styles is that if you keep trying to make the material match how you think that student learns best instead of getting to know the student and giving them material that interest and engages them.
The answer is more fuzziness and to be more like Mr. Rogers, who always took time to listen to the kids and treat them respectfully. And for people who have never taught to stop telling teachers how to teach at let teachers listen to their students and use their instincts to teach in a way that fits the kids, the material, and the teacher.
Thanks!
WOW! I felt like my "other half" was writing this piece! I learned, as things happened. Direct and to the point, Weirdo Teacher 05 has reminded me, once again and to my great relief, I am not crazy. I, just like many others of my generation, strongly dislike one human "owning or directing", another's life. I know what I learned and how I learned it. True, it isn't all sitting in a classroom, we learn from experience and we start learning from birth. How ever it is presented, emotions, feelings, physical touch, all are clearly understood even if , at times, they are ever so slightly veiled. Powerful, thought provoking piece!! Thank You!