Assignment 4.2 - My Personal Learning Journal

This class I became more familiar with the different learning styles and teaching strategies that help students succeed.  When I began learning about my own preferred learning style I thought that I could only succeed in learning in a class that used teaching strategies that were geared for my preferred learning style.  Through the weeks, I have learned that what I really need is a class that uses teaching strategies that embrace all learning styles.

Although I have never been an instructor, this class has helped me understand the different types of learners.  I believe that by having a better understanding of the different learning styles will make me a better instructor.

I now understand that in order to reach all students in the learning environment, I need to consider their learning styles and personalities when creating my lesson plan.  I need to create assignments and engaging activities that include all learners and their preferred learning styles.  I believe this will allow students in my classroom the best chance at success!

Assignment 3.3 - Information Overload

As I was reading Victor Hugor’s blogs, I came across the blog “Learning Styles Don’t Exist?”  Mr. Hugor must have read my mind, because this was topic that I was going to write about for my assignment this week!  I must say that by reading all the information on Learning Styles throughout this course, I am now on information overload!!  The facts are that people learn in different ways and have a preferred style of learning.  But are these really facts?  I’m beginning to think the answer is “no”.  I had to think about this for a minute.  How is it that I learn best?  I am a visual learner.  Yep, that’s me.  But wait!  I now realize that if I combined the styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), I would learn that much more!  So what does that mean?  Do learning styles really exist?  A week ago, I would have said “absolutely!”  Today, I’m not so sure….

Create assignments for every learning style?

"Educators should create assignments for every learning style so that students have the best environment to learn in."

Here are my thoughts...

I believe that as educators it is our responsibility to put forth the effort in teaching so that students maximize their learning and retention.  So why not create assignments for every learning style?  I realize that this requires a lot of extra work on our part as the educator, but I believe it could really add a lot of value for our students.  For example, as you create your lesson plan, create different assignments based on the different learning styles of your students. Throughout the class have the student pick which assignment to complete based on their own learning style.  From a learners’ point of view, I would love to have different options in the classroom!  What do you think?