TEACHING TO ALL LEARNERS

It doesn’t take long for a teacher to discover that within their classroom of learners there are varied learning styles. This is true, regardless of the age of the learner. One of the challenges for the teacher is to develop a teaching strategy which will ultimately reach every learner. This can be done! In fact, every learner can have the opportunity in each lesson to spend time in their preferred learning style. Simply, here are the four generally accepted learning styles and the sequence by which the teacher can teach to the style of each learner.

The Imaginative Learner performs best in a setting which allows interpersonal relationships to develop. They learn best by listening and sharing ideas. The question you must answer for the Imaginative Learner is “WHY do I need to know this?”

The Analytic Learner expects the teacher to be the primary information giver. Accordingly, they learn best by watching and listening. These learners want all the data before they make a decision. The question you must answer for the Analytic Learner is “WHAT do I need to know?”

The Common Sense Learner likes to play with ideas to see if they are rational and workable. They are hands-on people who like to get the job done. They learn best when learning is combined with doing. The question you must answer for the Common Sense Learner is “HOW does this work?”

The Dynamic Learner excels in following hunches and sensing new directions and possibilities. They are risk takers who like putting their personal stamp of originality on an idea. The question you must answer for the Dynamic Learner is “WHAT can this become?”

“The four different learning styles actually fit together into a learning cycle. If the teacher follows the four steps in the cycle, every student will have an opportunity to learn and share his or her contributions…” (from Learning Styles – Reaching Everyone God Gave You by Marlene LeFever)

You may be wondering, why is this important? (the same question the Imaginative Learner asks.) If we are going to teach, we want to reach all learners. While 30% of learners are Analytic (we really like these students because they appear focused on learning), 70% of learners fall into the other three learning styles. As a teacher, you will most likely focus your teaching to the style in which you prefer learning. Accordingly, a Common Sense teacher will most easily accommodate the Common Sense Learner. Perhaps you need to begin by using a simple assessment to determine your Learning Style (also available in LeFever’s book). Once you make this discovery, you can better plan your lesson to strengthen your teaching to all four styles. A teacher who is unaware of style may be missing students God has assigned them to reach.