Learning Styles

Well, I can't believe my logical-mathematical is so high! Reflecting on my own learning, I would assume linguistic and visual-spatial would be high. Interpersonal is also not a surprise as being one of my more dominant styles. I was always the kid in grade school that could be doing something else, and as long as I could hear the teacher, pick up any information that was needed. I have a few students in class like that now. It's hard to tell if they are listening or not; They sure don't look like it. If I can see it; I can usually figure out what is going on. I'm not good at drawing at all, but I've won awards for my newspaper page designs and photographs. I do like working in groups and trying to talk out solutions to problems. I feel it helps to connect what you are thinking to what others are thinking.

I was never one of the students who liked to sing songs about the leg bone or the multiplication table. I enjoy music, but just not for learning. However, I always blamed my apathy for music on my grade school's lack of a music program. My current school has wonderful opportunities for students, and I really want to get my sons started on the piano. I was surprised that bodily-kinesthetic was so low. I played sports through high school and still compete in rec/church leagues. Playing Jeopardy along with the people on TV is one of my favorite past times. Running on the treadmill at the gym, I felt like I was getting more correct than when I watch on the couch at home. I thought I had a stronger connection to that style.

We can't offer every lesson to every learning style. I think we should try for the most relevant in our classroom (visual and linguistic seem to be the top two). Using centers or choices, might help others make a stronger connection to the lesson. Maybe, to help a small group of students who might be struggling, you teach to a specific learning style a couple times a month. Even if this doesn't work with the content, it might keep you from completely losing the student. Give them something they truly would enjoy once and a while.