Learning Styles Analysis

 Interconnection of Learning Styles and Development

As a teacher it is important to know and understand the different ways students learn as well as what each student’s learning style is. This is especially crucial for students that struggle. Students who are struggling to learn new skills and concepts can become discouraged with their learning. Their confidence in themselves and school can be greatly affected by not being taught in the way they learn. As a teacher, tailoring a lesson to fit students learning styles can be an easy adjustment when their learning style is known. This promotes positive growth in students’ development.

Effect on Planning and Instructional Strategies

Using a learning styles inventory on each student in a classroom would help determine the best way to differentiate instruction. Adjusting lessons to the learners ensures that each students strengths are being used as they are learning which makes it easier for them to understand and comprehend the information. With the four main types of learning styles, there are many ways that instruction can be modified for students.

Visual- When teaching visual learners in the classroom, the projector/whiteboard is your best friend. A strategy that can be used often with these types of learners is having students draw pictures or diagrams of examples based on what they are learning.  

Auditory- These types of learners would rather listen and talk about new concepts and ideas rather than read about it. Simply having them repeat concepts back to the teacher or another student helps with their auditory and verbal processing. Group discussions, videos, and music are great things to add into lessons for these students.

Kinesthetic- Students that learn through experiencing or doing things are kinesthetic learners. A great strategy to use when working with kinesthetic learners is incorporating movement into lessons as much as possible. Acting out scenes from a book, learning games, or white board activities.

Reading/Writing- With this learning style, much of traditional education works for this type of learner. These learners enjoy learning through written words, writing in journals, researching on the internet, reading books or articles. A strategy to differentiate instruction would be giving these students opportunities to write their ideas on paper often.

Student Strengths. Interests, and Needs for Growth Effect on Instruction

As educators, it is important to know students’ strengths, interests, and needs to motivate students and establish high expectations specific to students. In a first-grade classroom, I have found that learning students’ interest can be done using this or that games. Would students rather do or have something over another thing? Through easy two option questions students are able to give me quick answers in a fun way that is disguised as a game. Using interests and strengths that a student has helps keep them engaged in lessons they are learning to fulfill areas where they need to grow. As a teacher it is important to know which student needs to grow in a specific area to target those students interests in times that the specific student needs are being taught.

Assessments

Addressing all learning styles in an assessment is crucial. Student learning is not one-size-fits-all so why should the assessments be? Having various strategies when looking for students’ academic performance is critical and embracing students’ differences gives educators the chance to really understand what students know. There are so many ways to assess students in ways that have to do with how they learn or show their knowledge.

Visual- For visual learners, teachers can ask for interactive diagrams or visual presentations about the concepts or skills they have been learning.

Auditory- For auditory learners, students can participate in a class or group discussion about the concept or skill that has been taught.

Kinesthetic- For kinesthetic learners, students can participate in interactive games that shows their understanding of a concept or skill.

Reading/Writing- For reading/writing learners, teachers can assign an essay for students to write about a concept or skill that they have been working on.

 

Resources

Malvik, C. (2020). 4 types of learning styles: how to accommodate a diverse group of students. Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/

Standards Aligned System. (n.d.). Assessing student Interest. Standards Aligned System. http://pdcenter.pdesas.org/CourseRendering/CourseContent/Render/045149048131143218236063104208047224129048131172

TagHive Inc. (2024). Assessment strategies for different learning styles. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/assessment-strategies-different-learning-styles-taghive-mv1nc

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