Traditional vs.

Non-Traditional

Traditional Teaching and Learning

Traditional instruction has focused on memorization or what we call surface
knowledge. -teacher-dominated -textbooks and lectures -maintaining the good behavior

Because the specifics of instruction cognitive approach,larger from Instruction has shifted to a more are always tied to away understanding and purposes, we believelearning (Cainehelp their memorizing information to meaningful teachers must and Caine, students see the meaning of new information by using non1995). . traditional methods (Caine and Caine, 1995). importance of patterning
we resist learning isolated bits of information

 Carl Jungs work is the basis of learning styles. From his work on the nature and structure of the human psyche, came the concept that the healthy personality has four developed functions: sensing, intuition, thinking and feeling (Shields). Jung argued that a well-balanced person draws on these four functions on a regular basis but that each function is influenced by the psychic attitude of each person: introversion or extroversion (Shields).

 A learning style is a way of learning. YOUR preferred learning style is the way in which YOU learn best. Three main learning styles (Silverman, 2006)
Auditory Visual Tactile/Kinesthetic

VISUAL, AUDITORY, KINESTHETIC (tactile) VISUAL, AUDITORY, KINESTHETIC (tactile) Visual Learners learn Auditory Learners Tactile/Kinesthetic best when information learn best when best Learners in a is presentedlearn information is learning in hands-on written language presentedin which they settings in an format or language auditory in another can physically visual format such as format. manipulate pictures or diagrams. something in order to learn about it.

VAK INVENTORY

 Determine the styles present for the students and the teacher, by using self-reporting inventories that assess learning traits: The VAK Learning Styles Test The VARK Questionnaire Though the teacher has his/her preferred learning style, incorporating the other learning styles into their teaching means that the teacher can ensure the learning of all students. (Haar, Hall, Schoepp, & Smith). Research: Students could achieve higher academic success if the initial instruction is provided in a manner consistent with each students learning style (Caldwell & Ginthier, 1996)

Teaching to a students style, teaching with styles in mind, and teaching students about learning styles, can help teachers ensure the success of all the students in their classrooms (Silverman, 2006).

Learning styles give the teacher more options than just the traditional approach of presenting the material.

Other Types of Learning Styles (Silverman, 2006): Mastery Learners Understanding-Intuitive Learners Self-Expressive Learners

 There are study skills associated with the three main learning styles (Cell, 1984): Visual Auditory Kinesthetic/Tactile

Auditory Study Skills (Hannon, 2000) -Recording classes/discussion instead of note taking -Narration/Description -Speaking Assignments Visual Study Skills (Fry, 1999) -Pictures -Creating mental images -Video tape classes instead of taking notes Kinesthetic Study Skills (Cell, 1984) -Taking notes -Projects -Creative homework -Internet homework

Use treatments of disorders adapted for use as study skills (Nevid et al): -Down Syndrome/Autistic Spectrum -Dyslexia -ADHD -Deafness

 Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic study skills into teaching (Dunn & Griggs, 2000)
Use visual aids Handouts/demonstrations Projectors Tapes Videos Projects Self-driven homework assignments Student taught lessons

 Is what youre doing working and how can you tell (Dunn & Griggs, 2000)?
Look at the before and after picture of the class Use assessment tools Try new ideas and techniques Have others come in to observe Dont always tell them why, but have them reason it out Ask the students their opinion

References

Caine, R. N., & Caine, G.(1995). Reinventing school through brainbased learning. Educational Leadership, 52(8), 43-50. Caldwell, G. P, & Ginthier, D. W.(1996). Differences in learning styles of low socioeconomic status for low and high achievers. Education, 117(1), 141-147. Cell, Edward (1984). Learning to Learn From Experience. Albany State University of New York Press. Dunn, R. S. & Griggs, S.A.(2000). Practical Approaches to Using Learning Styles in Higher Education. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey. Fry, Ronald W. (1999). The Great Big Book of How to Study. Franklin Lakes, N.J.: The Career Press. Hannon, Peter (2000). Reflecting On Literacy in Education. Master Classes in Education Series. London; New York Routledge. Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., Greene, B. (2005). Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World (Rev. ed.). Pearson Education, Inc, NJ. Nunn, G. D.(1995). Effects of a learning styles and strategies intervention upon at-risk middle school students achievement and locus of control. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 22(1), 34-39. Shields, C. J. (1993). Learning Styles: Where Jung, the Beatles, and schools intersect. Curriculum Review; 33 (2), 4-9. Silverman, F. (2006) Learning styles: want to have teachers reach every student? Think seeing, feeling, touching. District Administration, 42(9), 70-72.