321 – Assignment 1.2

Assignment 1.2

The book does state that it is not necessary for an instructor to prepare 20 ways to teach the same thing – it would be unreasonable. I believe we can agree with that, but are there techniques you can be using to spice up your instruction? Utilize the internet (not Wiki) and library resources and complete the following:

• Find at least three resources that discuss learning styles.
• Provide the reference information for others so that they may find it if they are interested in reading more (continue to try your hand at APA formatting – please include a title page and a reference page).
• Provide a summary of the articles – comparing and contrasting the information you have found.
• Based on what you have read in the book and from your articles, analyze the information about learning styles and how they pertain to you, your learning and your teaching.

The resources I found on the Internet were mostly taken from the Google Scholar search with the exception of the Felder resources. These were links provided within the Course Documents in BlackBoard.

As I investigated Richard Felder’s website, I was drawn to his “Random Thoughts” article series on “Meet Your Students.” These articles tell stories about the different learning styles of the characters. The first in the series, “1. Stan and Nathan,” is a story of two chemical engineering roommates with seemingly similar personalities.  Except for the Index of Learning Styles model dimension of Sensor vs. Intuitor. Each article focuses on a particular dimension and is very useful for me to have concrete examples provided in the storylines.

I also came across a video interview with Dr. Felder. This was most beneficial in terms of hearing from him what each dimension in his model Index of Learning Styles. He also provided advice and valuable resources for new teachers. For example, Dr. Felder explained that most people think we need to find out the learning styles of each of our students and teach to the way they prefer for the best results. He explains this is impossible to do if there are two or more students in your class. To be successful professionals, he explains, students must be able to participate on both sides of each dimension. We, as teachers, need to touch both sides of the dimension some of the time in our teachings. Of example, a typical lecture time might include time for lecture, something to do, a question, and/or a brainstorming opportunity. These might happen individually, in pairs, groups or 3 or 4, in a think/pair/share and usually on 30 seconds to 3 minutes time.

I also read an online article from a group of mostly Chinese professors and one Canadian. The title is “The Relationship of Kolb Learning Styles, Online Learning Behaviors and Learning Outcomes.” My interest was in how our topic of Learning Styles relates to online learning and what we might do as online instructors to best prepare our students. As discussed in the article, providing a well-rounded library of electronic documents to support the instruction will satisfy students of Abstract Conceptualization. Students geared more toward Concrete Experience will find a learning environment chalked full of communications tools and resources will be more useful. Although I have not seen any research on our particular class, it would be interesting to do a survey and see how we relate to the online material, usually having both resources available.

The last article I’ll discuss piqued my interest in Learning Styles and how they relate technology. The article titled “An early investigation into factors in student’s choice of technology for e-learning” was beneficial as we see growth from different technologies and mediums of communications to more advanced models of use. For example, students used email 62% of the time to communicate but were more likely to use text messaging given the choice of email, texting, discussion boards, chat, etc. Currently, there are a very low percentage of students who download media (video or audio) of a lecture but given the chance, they are very likely to engage in this activity.

I have learned that as I go forth and provide learning opportunities for my adult students, I need to keep a balanced approach to learning styles. It is beneficial to learners to be exposed to as many opportunities for growth as they can and by providing different teaching/learning styles, we open the doors for them. I also need to take into account my learning preference and, knowing what these are, be aware of any mismatches between my students and myself. As I have matured intellectually, I have noticed that my styles have changed from a more hands on approach to being more comfortable in a “heady” environment.

References:

Felder, R. M. (Interviewee). (2007, February 15). An Introduction to learning styles: how students learn, how teachers teach, and what usually goes wrong with the process [Video]. Retrieved from http://ctl.csudh.edu/SpeakerSeries/Felder.htm

Felder, R.M. (1989, Spring). Meet Your Students: 1. Stan and Nathan. Retrieved from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Columns/Stannathan.html

Lynch, K., Debuse, J., Lawley, M., & Roy, S. (2009, July 6). An Early investigation into factors in student’s choice of technology for e-learning. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/2009/papers/HERDSA2009_Lynch_K.pdf

Lu, H., Jia, L., Gong, S., & Clark, B. (2007). The Relationship of Kolb Learning Styles, Online Learning Behaviors and Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from http://www.ifets.info/journals/10_4/17.pdf