Are Learning Styles a Crutch?
Tim and I had a conversation this morning about what teachers would call learning styles. That's not what Tim calls them. He's tired of having to communicate with everyone in the special way they require when none of these people, who are functioning adults, ever try to understand things from his way of communicating.
His point was that when we teach children only in the way they learn best, they grow to think the whole world will accommodate them in that way the rest of their lives. He has a point. Most employers aren't going to coddle you.
So here's the question: are you an adult student who expects to learn only in the way you learn best, in your own learning style? Or are you open to trying to think and learn in new ways, in all possible ways?
Comments
I think Tim’s point is backwards. The reason trainers use learning styles is make their training more accessible to the variety of learners in the class – to move beyond their own learning style preferences. I’ve never heard any trainer say “I know most of my participants are tactile learners, so I’m only going to do only hands-on activities.” That’s just not realistic.
Nor is it realistic to think that learners only learn through their preferred learning style. It’s just a preference and what they go to when they have difficutly understanding a particular concept.
So don’t worry. Our learners aren’t going to become disabled because we trainers stretch our own preferences.
This is an interesting post. I used to work at a place where I had a teacher who taught to one learning style that some students did not like. Those that did performed extremely well in the class. The others, not so much. The teacher claimed it was the students fault for not paying attention — her way was the only way to learn.
I believe that part of the teachers’ job is to create an environment where all students will be able to learn. That is what makes the job of a teacher so important — as well as difficult. The classroom is not the workplace (generally speaking). The learning experience people have in the classroom is part of what gives them the confidence to perform at work. So whatever their employers throw at them, they should feel they have been prepared to do so.
To get balance you need to learn in different styles … this way you maximise your strengths and overcome the areas or things where you are weak – this is the natural way to become better. You want to use your natural strengths that you were born with whilst extending your skills in areas that you “dont find easy”. This is how to bring the best out of anyone. You can read more about this at http://www.i-ne.com – the Institute of Natural Excellence.
As a professional trainer (High School and in business) I find that if I use multiple teaching styles or methods I stay more engaged in the teaching process. If I am engaged, then the students in my class are engaged. With an engaged class I am forced to ensure my message is communicated effectively. That is when learning can take place for both the trainer and student.
Good points, Bruce. Thanks for sharing.