Visual Learn by what they see. Write things down so the visual
learner will remember what is expected during instructional
learning time. Use lots of visuals such as pictures, videos, and
virtual field trips.Auditory Learn by what they hear. Be sure
directions are clear and explicit. Students should be seated where
distractions are very limited. Classroom management is very
important for these learners.Tactile Hands on learners. Use lots of
manipulative during the learning process. Solicit students help for
teacher made manipulative.Kinesthetic A mover. Allows students to
engage in student participation and cooperative learning groups
using hand on methods.*Integrate Technology and Project-Based
Learning often.
Learning Style-Based TeachingIt is important that teachers teach
according to students learning styles.Perceptual Preferences: First
teach students according to their primary (strongest) or main
preference, then their secondary preference and finally through
verbal reinforcement. Time of Day Preference: Conduct a formative
assessment to identify when most student are alert? Morning or
Afternoon? Collaborate with administrator, adjust, and teach
reading and math when students are most alert and
focused.Sociological Preferences: Use formative/summative
assessment when teaching in small groups and allow students who are
independent efficient to complete individual work.
Learning Styles and Classroom EnvironmentsCreate a student
friendly classroom environment that nurtures individual learning
styles.
Develop student contracts that explain what is expected when
student are allowed to engage in learning away from their everyday,
all day assigned seating arrangements. Be sure procedures are clear
and explicit. Include consequences for inappropriate behavior and
rewards for appropriate behavior.Allow students to work at stations
other than just during literacy station time.Integrate technology
to enhance learning and student participation.
Learning Styles and State Standards
Teachers must reform their teaching styles to student learning
styles.Higher required state standards require teachers to reform
their teaching styles to adapt to students learning styles. Teach
the way students learn if students are to improve academically on
state assessments.Higher academic expectation means implementing
strategies that are related to how learners learn.
Learning Styles and Student AchievementTeaching to students
learning styles has a positive impact on students academic
achievements.Students are learning at their best according to their
individual learning styles.Improved student behaviorDecrease in
number of discipline problemsStudents are more motivated to
learn.Students show significant gains and improvements on
standardized achievement tests.Students also show significant gains
in the areas of reading and math skills.
References
Doolan, L., & Honigsfeld, A. (2000). Illuminating the New
Standards with Learning Style: Striking a Perfect Match. Clearing
House, 73(5), 274.
Klavas, A. (1994). Learning style program boosts achievement and
test scores. Clearing House, 67(3), 149.
