Appealing to Diverse Learners

Tom McDermottPittsburgh Technical InstituteCengage TeamUP Faculty Advisor

Troy AndersonCengage Learning

Market Development Manager

– Likes

– Interests

– Goals

– Problems

– Skills

– Vocabulary

– Fears

Snowflakes, not Cookie Cut-Outs

• Our students are different in many ways:

– Levels of intelligence

– Cultures

– Want different learning environments

– Levels of emotional/psychological stability

– Learning preferences

– Personalities

• Your input? How are our students unique? Please add to this list…

Your Experience?

• How much experience do you have with the learning styles (Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic)?

PollTime!

What Style is Yours?

• Yes, there can be blends of styles, but which is your most prominent style?

– If you feel you need much more information, you may be a reflective.

PollTime!

Three Basic Learning Styles

• Visual

• Auditory

• Kinesthetic

• How do you appeal to each? Please give your input…

Personality Classification Systems

• Myers Briggs

• DiSC

• Four Personality Styles

The Four Personality StylesSO

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DOMINANCE CONTINUUM HighLow

Supportive Nice, low key, good listener, avoids use of power, good follower, loyal, steady, seeks

reassurance, too laid back, waffles, agreeable, friendly, avoids seeking attention, apologizes, fears sudden

change, like people

EmotiveEntertaining, talkative, unfocused, loud,

abrasive, spontaneous, uninhibited, extroverted, persuasive, exaggerates,

enthusiastic, likes attention, wears red, fears rejection, animated

ReflectiveDisciplined, deliberate, aloof, deep thinker, searches for proof, perceptive, monotone, analytical, quiet, orderly, avoids decisions,

formal with others, complains, fears criticism, reads manuals, systematic

DirectorSerious, goal-oriented, likes to lead and win,

strong opinions, cold, prefers driver’s seat, direct, independent,

won’t admit when wrong, go-getter, controlling, business-like, sensitive to being

hustled

We’re in Good Company

Supportive Meryl Streep, Kevin Costner,

Mary Tyler Moore, Paula Abdul, George H. W. Bush, Abe Lincoln, Drew Carey,

Sponge Bob Square Pants,

Winnie the Pooh, Julia Roberts, Magic Johnson

EmotiveRachael Ray, Jay Leno,

Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Jim Carrey, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest, Dane Cook,

The Situation, Rosie O’Donnell, Terrell Owens, Tigger

ReflectiveAlbert Einstein, Alan Greenspan, Jimmy

Carter, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Linus Van Pelt, Eeyore, Joe Friday, Mr. Rogers, Clark

Kent, MacGyver, Bill Gates,

Bill Belichick, Ben Stein

DirectorBill Parcels, Barbara Walters, Jesse Ventura, Peyton Manning, Donald

Trump, General Patton, Dick Cheney, Simon Cowell,

Lucy Van Pelt, Martha Stewart, Mr. Krabbs, Indiana Jones

SOCI

ABIL

ITY

CON

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UU

MLo

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DOMINANCE CONTINUUM HighLow

Hig

h

Personality Styles in Your Classroom

Whispers to neighbors, goes along with instructor, rarely starts trouble or argues

grade, empathizes w/ instructor, likes group work, lacks determination, hands in

work late, friendly

Talkative, participates, unites people, points out the humor in things,

fun, complains openly,used to conflict, leaves in a huff, lacks

discipline, unorganized, unfocused, gets bored easily

Quiet, finds the errors, analyzes, needs time and details, task-oriented,

may not want group work, doesn’t like debating/arguing, few facial expressions,

rarely volunteers answers, approaches instructor after class, reads during class

On task, blunt, takes leadership role, good at testing, responds to challenge,

focused, knows the goal and works toward it, fights for grades, tries to

control class, lacks humility, can intimidate other students

SOCI

ABIL

ITY

CON

TIN

UU

MLo

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DOMINANCE CONTINUUM HighLow

Hig

h

EmotiveSupportive

Reflective Director

What Style is Yours?

• Yes, there can be blends of styles, but which is your most prominent style?

PollTime!

• If you feel you need much more information, you may be a reflective.

Teaching Strengths & Personality Connection

• Task-Focused

– Directors: Plan well, knowledgeable, cover a lot of material, hold students accountable

– Reflectives: Organized, accurate with information, logical sequence

• People-Focused

– Supportives: Patient, build rapport, set students at ease

– Emotives: Humorous, fun/interesting, relate to students

Appealing to SUPPORTIVES in the Classroom

• Create a harmonious environment

• Build the relationship

• Chat with them outside of class

• Smile and stay loose

• Use group activities

• Assist them with directions and work

Appealing to REFLECTIVES in the Classroom

• Use a sequential, organized structure

• Don’t put them on the spot in class

• Don’t spring anything on them or rush them

• Give them details and additional info

• Give them the manual

• When possible, give them the option of writing assignment instead of a speech

Appealing to EMOTIVES in the Classroom

• Spice it up! Do something interesting or spontaneous; don’t bore them

• Maintain a fast pace, few details

• Use skits, Socratic Seminars, presentations

• Let them participate in the discussion

• Praise them

• Ask their opinion

Appealing to DIRECTORS in the Classroom

• Be prepared

• Let them lead or direct something

• If possible, give them some control

• Give them a test; challenge them

• Give them space to do their work

• Project an image of strength and confidence

For More Info on Personalities…

• Effective Human Relations by Reece, Brandt and Howie. – Contact your Cengage

Learning representative.

• Email Tommcdhouse25@comcast.net

Conclusion

• Vary our approaches

• Vary our assessments

• Anticipate differences

• Adapt to the students as much as possible

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The Four Personality Styles within SO

CIAB

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Hig

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DOMINANCE CONTINUUM HighLow

Supportive ReadSpeaker, ConnectYard, Kaltura,

Google Docs, YouTube,

Learning Path

EmotiveKaltura, YouTube, Evernote,

ConnectYard, ReadSpeaker, Assessment Learning Path organization

ReflectiveCharts/Graphs, MindTap Reader,

Flashcards, Notes/Highlighting, Dictionary,

Assesments

DirectorAssignments, Quizes, Exams, Homework,

MindTap Reader, Google Docs, ReadSpeaker for multi-tasking, ConnectYard

Let’stake a

lookinside!

Connect with the Team!

mindtap@cengage.comcengage.com/mindtap