Monday 26 September 2016

The Importance Of Learning Styles Survey

By Carolyn King


Each person has a distinct learning style that determines how effective he or she is in absorbing content. This knowledge is important to prevent time wastage in exercises that do not lead to better grades. Learning styles survey will help teachers to better handle pupils and thus get the most out of the available contact hours. The existence of different methods explains why some subjects are easier to understand than others.

There are three main types of learners based on their natural style. They are auditory, visual and tactile learners. Most people use a combination of styles but one style takes prominence over the others. There are professionals who can assist you to determine the style best suited for each child. This makes it easier to deliver content as well as solve problems.

Surveys on learning methods are designed to establish the character of a learner. Some of the questions asked revolve around books read, easy or quick solutions when in a fix, how one acts in public, etc. A question on reaction in case of an emergency like attack by an animal will also reveal the true character. The answers given indicate the perspective such a person has about life.

Visual learners use maps, diagrams and charts effectively to decipher information. The learner associates concepts with images or techniques. This association makes them memorable. For such a person, the use of long texts and narrations will be a waste of time. Such people find solutions by mentally manipulating the information or diagrams provided. Using any other method or approach on them will not deliver any results.

Auditory learners understand best when a speech or narrative is given. This makes their memory of spoken words excellent. They prefer listening to endless speeches and narrations other than using diagrams. This way, they can capture a lot of what needs to be learnt. Their concentration or eye contact with the person making the presentation may be off. This does not mean that their attention is divided. You will be surprised to hear them ask questions on subjects mentioned as a by the way.

Kinesthetic or tactile learners require active engagement to understand different concepts. They love to perform experiments or test what has been said. To them, ideas are clearer once performed. It is very boring for them to watch presentations or listen to unending speeches. Their way of communicating ideas and feelings is using body language. They best understand concepts by testing them.

Each class is composed of learners who follow different methods. For teachers or facilitators, there is need to combine a variety of teaching methods. This will take care of the needs and interests of different persons. Evaluate the best method to use in order to effectively explain a certain concept. Subjects that do not have demonstrations, for instance history, can be spiced by a visit to a historical site.

Use professionally designed tests to identify the style. Some tests developed by amateurs will be misleading and thus affect delivery of content to students. Do not be restricted by the results to stick to one method. Determine the most appropriate approach depending on the concept being taught.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment