Maybe the most difficult aspect of teaching is having the ability to teach in different ways to make sure that all different types of learners understand the subject. There are three main types of learners: visual, aural, and kinesthetic.
Visual learners use images and techniques to remember concepts and ideas. Visual learners tend to learn best when using graphs, concept maps, illustrations.
Aural learners learn best when information is given orally. Aural learners like to hear lectures, speeches, and discussions. They also have a hard time comprehending what they read when they are in silence, background noise is needed in order to understand written work.
Kinesthetic learners learn by experiencing what they are supposed to learn. Kinesthetic learners like to do activities and usually discover things on their own when actively participating. They usually do well with chemistry experiments, sports, and acting.
Since children learn very differently, it is important that teachers also teach in different ways. A lesson can be split up into different parts so each child has an opportunity for learn. For example, you could do an activity, write down the information you learned, and then have a discussion about the topic. By doing so, you present the information kinesthetically, visually, and aurally.
I think that this is a great idea to engage all students in learning. Many times I found it difficult to understand what the teacher was saying without using hands-on examples. If my teachers had taught through multiple ways, I probably would have learned all concepts easier. Great blog! :)
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly! It seems like so many teachers go into it expecting to be able to teach the way they were taught, or the way that they learn, and be fine. You need to take into account your audience not just yourself.
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