Introduction to Teaching

Learning and Teaching Styles

 

Learning and teaching styles are terms used to describe the different ways people like to learn and communicate. You probably have preferred habits and styles about the way you learn, and you probably communicate best in that style. However, your students will have varying styles and it is up to you to present information in multiple styles, to help all of your students absorb content.

 

In simplest terms, some people learn best through visual input, some through audio input and some from kinesthetic input. An example of a teaching style that incorporates all of these communication channels is a stand up lecture (audio), plus a movie presentation or graphs and charts (visual) with a hands-on class lesson (kinesthetic).

 

In addition to basic learning styles, you'll be teaching adults. One of the best places to start understanding the needs of adult learners is a site called 30 Things We Know For Sure About Adult Learning hosted by Honolulu Community College. It is a concise summary of what matters, including common sense but often ignored rules such as, "The learning environment must be physically and psychologically comfortable; long lectures, periods of interminable sitting and the absence of practice opportunities rate high on the irritation scale."

 

You might try taking an online test to determine your own style, then learning about other styles and how they learn best. As you design your classes, strive for a balance between your natural style and what your students might need from you. You might even give an online test in class to help make them aware of their own styles—that can help them take responsibility for their own learning.

 

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