How do I best learn?

Throughout my life I recall completing numerous questionnaires and quiz’s each attempting to tell me ‘what kind of learner I am’ or ‘how I will best learn’. Can 44 questions truly give me an accurate representation of this? Well I am going to give the Felder and Solomen learning style questionnaire a go.

Here are the results…

  

Results for: Katie Chaseling

ACT          X                                        REF
           11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11
                              <-- -->

      SEN                                      X            INT
           11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11
                              <-- -->

      VIS          X                                        VRB
           11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11
                              <-- -->

      SEQ                          X                        GLO
           11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11
                              <-- -->

According to the Felder and Solomen ‘Index of learning styles’ I scored I have a moderate preference for active, intuitive and visual learning styles.  When I was taking the test I was a little sceptical as I felt that I had an equal preference for both answers in many of the questions. Looking back at the results however I would have to say I do believe that with some of the explanations for these learning styles.

So summarising some of my favourite points I will learn best when I try things out, study in groups, use concept maps, colour code notes, take the time to carefully read questions and digest information and take a ‘hands on’ approach. According to the learning style inventory, I find it hard to sit still in lectures…check, don’t like routine calculations and memorisation…check, and make careless mistakes on tests due to dislike of repetition and impatience…check.  I do truly identify, particularly with these points so maybe I should give these learning style tests a bit more credit.   

So how can I use this knowledge to support the learning styles of the students in my classroom?

After only completing two practical placements I have been able to witness firsthand the diversity of learning styles and preferences within the classroom and I do wholeheartedly believe that it is my job as a teacher to cater for these. Do I feel prepared and ready to do that? No probably not, but I guess that’s why I am here and ready to learn. I enjoyed reading the short excerpt by Felder and Solomen (n.d) about learning styles. I think that often I stress myself out thinking “how can I cater for the learning style of every student in the class at once?” This excerpt by Felder and Solomen (n.d) however put this into perspective for me as they state that it is far more important and beneficial to strive for a balance of instructional methods rather than trying to cater exclusively to the style of each student. I agree with this statement and realise that it is far more realistic, and in doing this I can see how this would improve students motivation and willingness to learn as they are taught partly in a manner that they prefer. The ‘balanced’ approach means that students will also be taught in ways that may not be their preference however are still important ways/styles of learning. I am keen to keep reading and learn more about how ICT’s can be used to support learning styles.

Katie Chaseling