Learning Styles

After reviewing my results, I see that I am a product of my environment.  Throughout high school, I was exposed to teaching styles that were very similar.  My teachers stuck to the old fashion ways of teaching.  They would lecture, on the notes that were on the board - day in and day out.  I would take notes, read, and study.  Every once in awhile, they would throw in a group project. However, they would ask me to deliver my findings in a lecture format.  I found this method to be sufficient.  I now realize, that with my learning style, it did not matter if they were a good teacher or not.  If I could see it or hear it, I was successful. 

In college, they call them lecture halls for a reason!  Again, I was successful with the lecture and note-taking format that was being presented each semester. I found it to be familiar and comfortable. However, I was introduced to other learning styles once I started my education classes.  I was asked to reflect more and more with each class.  I did not enjoy it because I did not see the relevance to what I was learning at the time.  I was not and still am not, a global learner.  I like to know exactly what and why I am learning something.  I couldn’t see the “Big Picture.” 

In my first Graduate Course, I distinctly remember how uncomfortable I felt in that class.  Everyday it felt like we were being taught with a different learning style than the one I preferred.  We were working in groups, reflecting each day, using crayons and markers to display information to others.  As a self proclaimed “old-fashion math teacher” this was very difficult to me.  I honestly was questioning why I was paying for this course. Until I finally got the “Big Picture.”  Not everyone is like me, including my students.  I was learning how to become a better teacher.

To this day, I still feel I find the most success in an environment that is sensing, visual, and verbal.  I have found this to be true of many math teachers.  I like to be presented with facts that are sequential or linear.  I prefer to learn things that are directly related to my life. I work best when I am invested in a subject or topic. I also find myself to be more motivated when the task is personal.

What challenges me the most is a learning environment that is abstract or global. It is difficult for me to see the “Big Picture.” I want to see a linear progression to my learning.  I dislike surprises and not knowing or seeing the cumulative effects. Yet, I have come to the conclusion that “If you wait, it will come.” The learner and teacher I am today is continuously being challenged and changed. 

As a math teacher, I can quickly add up 65% of learners being visual and 30% are auditory learners. Knowing that I can address 95% of the needs of my students is an easy task with a Smartboard and lecture.   Fortunately, my students are more complex than that simple equation.  I have learned that you can’t do everything for everyone, but you can do your best.

            What challenges me the most about the different learning styles is that human beings are complex creatures that use all the learning styles throughout their life, depending on the circumstance and framework of the situation. Unfortunately, it would be too time consuming, not only for myself but also for the students, to sit through a lesson that included all learning styles.  I have a difficult time getting through all my standards as it is.  Using the learning styles as a point of reference in the development of ones lesson plans is a way to address the needs of our students.  As a math teacher, I look at the learning styles as angles.  I come at each lesson from as many angles as possible to address the different learning styles in the time frame I have. Looking for moments, no matter how small, that we can change our lessons to fit or address the needs of the different learning styles should be ones goal.