Learning Styles Don't Exist

6/30/2011

Kersten

7/3/2011 12:15:23 pm

This was a very interesting video. I am probably one of the 90% that thought there were truly differences in learning style, although I could never label myself as one type exactly. I do believe in using a variety of teaching methods within the classroom. All of the students senses need to be activated in order to get them to achieve at high levels. Our brain likes to process information in a variety of ways and the more stimulus that is presented, the more the brain can ponder.

Thanks for this perspective.

Amy Hollingsworth

7/3/2011 12:56:39 pm

I do my research on whats called "PCK" or Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Basically, it means that teachers have lots of content knowledge (in our case - biology content knowledge) and knowledge of how to teach, or pedagogical knowledge. Expert teachers in particular subjects have whats called pedagogical content knowledge - or knowledge of how best to teach their subject. They blend lots of rich biology knowledge, with how students learn biology (lots of vocabulary, knowledge of cycles, etc), misconceptions that students bring to the course (about evolution or climate change) and look at how best to address their class' needs.

Part of the reason I posted the "Learning Styles Don't Exist" video is that I don't believe students get to tell the teacher how to teach their subject the best. The student doesn't get to tell the teacher "I'm a kinesthetic learner, and nothing else, so cater to me." We as the teachers of the course are the experts in how to teach our subjects. We come up with the best lessons on how to pass on the knowledge of the lesson we are teaching. Should those lessons be full of visuals, and spoken word, and tactile manipulations? Sure! But should the kids get to tell us how to teach? NO!

Even when we have those questionnaires online of "What kind of learning style fits you best?" I always think that should lead you to your major or what interests you - not make you think you can ONLY learn if you hear it, or see it, or do it. I think that puts a block up in front of us. If we have one style that helps us the best, then I think it's the INDIVIDUAL"S responsibility to review in that fashion. If you need flashcards - make them. I'ts not the teacher's responsibility to give class time to make flash cards EVERY TIME. I don't like to see people use learning styles as a cop out.

Just my two cents! Research always takes us in different directions!

Learning Styles Don't Exist

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives

Categories