The topic for discussion this week was differences in learners' learning styles and finding appropriate fit in technology to cater to these differences.
It is true that one size does not fit all and learners have individual differences. Education research is replete with studies which highlight
the importance of variations in learners' learning styles and learning
strategies and suggested readings this week mention some of these research
studies. In his 1983 book called Frames of Mind, Howard Gardner of Harvard
University identified seven intelligences we all possess. Later many more types
were added to this. The reading at http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm
suggests that learners have shown the following types of learning orientations:
Verbal-Linguistic
Logical/Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Bodily/Kinesthetic
Musical/Rhythmic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Similarly, Richard M. Felder at
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm has
also distinguished between different types of learners according to their
predominant learning styles.
Active and reflective learners
Sensing and intuitive learners
Visual and verbal learners
Sequential and global learners
Obviously these categories cannot be "mutually
exclusive" as it is difficult to say that a verbal-linguistic learner
cannot be a visual-spatial learner. As teachers we know that there is a fair
degree of overlapping among the above categories and the wise thing is just to
pick up the "dominant" learning styles strand(s) in a class and
modify teaching to accommodate these differences. For example we can diagnose a
predominant learning style by administering a learning style quiz to our
learners as suggested in the link
http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-learning-styles-quiz , find out
about dominant strands and teach accordingly.
I think apart from these "cognitive" differences
learners' learning styles are also grounded in their socio-academic setting. In
a way I agree with Sam when he says he is not convinced by the concept of
multiple intelligences because effective learning depends on a lot of factors other
than learning styles. As practicing teachers we are sensitive to such factors
and we keep adjusting our teaching accordingly. So the best option seems to be
to create conditions which are conducive to language learning. In my context
this would mean blending my traditional "talk and chalk" teaching
with multimedia-assisted teaching both online and offline. I think the web
tools we have learnt in this course can help us design a variety of learning
tasks and select appropriate channels to provide "different strokes for
different folks" and lead learners towards their preferred way to
autonomous learning.
Safaa highlighted the importance of understanding learners' style when she said: "When you understand your students' learning styles, you can
choose the most appropriate activities, teaching aids and materials and vary
your techniques to address these ways of learning. The cognitive, psychomotor
and affective domains of Bloom's Taxonomy help us link the objectives to the
learning styles activities. Here comes your use of technology to facilitate
learning, increase students' motivation and raise their performance level."
Hi Rajinder,
ReplyDeleteI quite agree with you when you say that we should create conditions for language learning and that could be done through blending the traditional methods of "talk and chalk" with the newer ones (technology related). You basically suggest using a variety of methods that would facilitate learning, don't you?
I like the way you expressed the usefulness of this course "this course can help us design a variety of learning tasks and select appropriate channels to provide "different strokes for different folks" and lead learners towards their preferred way to autonomous learning." It has definitely been of great use to me. And now I can see how I can encourage the students to take a "hike" on the path of autonomous learning or how I can vary my teaching using the webtools.
It is such a pity that the course is almost over. It was so short although I learned so much. And I am sure there is much more to learn and I will, but in this case... just like the students I will have to do it by myself. :)
Best regards,
Liliana
Hi Liliana,
DeleteYes I believe we need to be eclectic in our approach, methods and materials when dealing with learners. It is very difficult (and impractical) to stick to a particular pedagogic method because such approach often result in confusion and mismanagement of learning. However, when eclecticism is practiced "precision" becomes a casualty. But then do we need to practice precise teaching? or we should create conditions for maximizing learning through eclectic methods and materials. Most wise teachers have always chosen the latter approach.
Regards,
Rajinder
Hi Rajinder,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there is some overlapping in intelligences that learners possess and we have to find the way to facilitate learning picking out the dominant area.
You mentioned we can diagnose a predominant learning style by administering a learning style quiz to our learners. At this point I would argue whether statistics are capable to give a complex picture to be rely on. I know it is easier to say that as I teach only groups of students as opposed to large classes you are dealing with.
Best,
Ildiko
Wow! This is awesome in terms of all the technical lessons learned. You truly are the first penguin off the iceberg. I’ll be referring back to your tech-nutrient-dense blogpost again! This site helps me in my essay writing process.
ReplyDelete