The four learning styles?

Question

Although the different learning styles help educate the students. Do you think trying to encompass all four styles of learning could prove to be challenging for a teacher and/or might four different styles confuse the students?

Answer 1

I taught a unit on the Gilded Age today.

Opening activity: I showed them a few pictures and had them write what they thought was going on and then we discussed  as a class. (visual, nonverbal, & auditory)

Content: We read and completed notes together (auditory & visual).

Applied practice: I created a list of terms, in large font, and gave each student 2.  They then had to tape their terms in the proper column on the board, using their fellow students for help. (kinesthetic, auditory, visual)

I don't think the students were confused, even though I used a variety of learning style components.  They were able to work with the new material in a variety of ways, thus finding greater understanding.  Tomorrow when we review it, I know they will have remembered the majority of main ideas.  

If your lessons are disjointed and don't flow together, then you risk confusing students.  If everything flows and builds on the topic, you will find success.

Answer 2

Sure, I think it's challenging for the teacher and possibly confusing for the students.  You might found out that in your particular class a learning style is understood better by all... that's certainly a style you would want to devote most of your time to teaching.  But I also feel it's good to address all the learning styles... I think it helps student "reach" a bit more in their learning... and "stretching" leads to growth.

Answer 3

It is difficult to cater for all 4 at the same time, but you can find opportunities to cover all four during a lesson or series of lessons.

Answer 4

You don't have to use all of them all of the time, just bear in mind that people have these different styles.  If someone is a tactile/ kinesthetic learner and they never have a chance to do hands-on learning, they will not only have a difficult time, but will probably not enjoy it much.  That's the one that tends to get left out.