Learning Styles

Growing up I have always known that I learn better when I can see what is being explained.  After completing the Learning Styles test I know for sure that I am a Visual Learner.  When reading through the visual learner’s definition I found myself saying this is me!  I tend to sit towards the front of classrooms so that I can see the teacher at all times.  I also like to see visual representations such as charts, graphs, and pictures. 

When teaching technology I tend to teach to the visual learners as well.  I always have the projector screen up and going so students can see what I am doing on the computer as I explaining a new concept.  I find that some students don’t even look at the screen and my explanations are enough for them, but I always remind students that as I am explaining what we are doing that they can look at the screen to be able to see what I am asking them to do.  I feel that I teach really well to the visual and auditory learners.  As a computer teacher I really struggle teaching to the kinesthetic learners.  Students each have their own computer and are completing different tasks, but I don’t allow students to roam or move around the classroom much for fear of computers crashing down.  I try to break up my 50 minute classes into a warm up or discussion, mini lesson, and work time.  Breaking the lesson into chunks helps keep all of the students’ interest for most of the period. I am interested to see how other tech teachers meet the kinesthetic learner’s needs.     

Although it is impossible to teach to all of our students different learning styles, I try really hard to make my lessons interesting both visually and orally.  I also try to find as many interactive activities for my students as possible.  I try to make sure that students have an opportunity to see, hear, do, and say something every class period.