Learning Styles

What is my learning style? 

According to Felder and Solomon, Learning Styles are the different ways students take in and process information and how they adapt to different teaching techniques.  When it comes to the Index of Learning Styles I am a reflective learner. I tend to think new information over and absorb what has been taught to me rather than jump right in and try it out.  

I have to mention also that my comprehension is not the best so it is important for me to read things through, stop and repeat or paraphrase what I have learned frequently especially when studying. 

What sorts of learning experiences suit the reflective learner? 

Think, Pair, Share: Thinking alone, pairing up and discuss learnings with a partner  

Online (flexible) study modes, where one has the opportunity to read and think it over before moving on to the next topic.

In a traditional classroom of 25 students, how would I support the range of learning styles each lesson?

I would try to embed a number of different strategies into the lesson plan rather than try and fit children into learning styles 'silos'. A typical lesson might include

• whole group intro, with a youtube video or similar
• think, pair, share
• worksheets or handouts with pictures/diagrams or perhaps interactive whiteboard session
• small group work with 4-5 people 

With my current knowledge of ICT, how could my design and digital pedagogy support my learners better?

Not only can lesson plans be designed around computers, but we can also have deeper more meaningful learning experiences by using other technologies. Youtube, social media, emails, PowerPoint, computer games, can all be used to support my learners.  Interactive white boards sound awesome, although I am yet to give them a go! 

ICT's are interesting to young learners and we need to embrace techniques to get learners interested! Its the first step to getting our learners engaged!

What sorts of profiling questions would I be asking about my learners to ensure I cater for everyone's preferences?

1. Do my learners prefer to work in groups or do they prefer to go it alone?
2. Do my learners like to read books? And are they learning from the words or the pictures?
3. Do my learners like to talk about the subject and ask lots of questions straight away? Or do they sit back and listen?

How does ICT support differences in learning styles? 

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Albert Einstein 1940. 

Children who present difficulties in reading and writing may be left behind if the teacher users traditional lecture style classrooms and whiteboard methods. If we are to engage our learners and get them interested in the topic we should embrace ICTs methods as much as we can.