Learning Styles
Tne question trainers often ask is, “How can I accommodate different learning styles in a class?”
- Recommend the best solution to this question, using properly cited sources to support your answer.
By taking this course, you are currently engaged in an online learning environment. Based on your VARK
learning style and your background in higher education (some of you have learned in both traditional and
online environments, whereas some have only studied online), address to the following:
- Do you think that the online learning environment is best suited to a particular learning style?
- Why do think so?
My learning style is Read/write
Learning Styles 2
Introduction
There are various styles of learning that are applicable in a classroom setting. It is often
recommended that an instructor should combine a number of teaching methods as opposed to
just going with one. This helps to make the instructions clearer while at the same time
accommodating all students. There various styles of learning each of which fit a specific group
of learners. The most appropriate style or combination of styles of learning is dependent on a
number of factors including the needs of the learners (LeFever, 2011). The combination of
reading and writing has proven to be one of the most effective styles of learning. It helps to
emphasize on all the aspects of learning. Reading and writing helps to encompass all the crucial
aspects for learners to grasp the instructions.
Reading on one hand helps to keep the learner’s mind alert. Alertness of the mind helps
to increase retention of the information. This ensures that the learner does not only understand
the instructions but also s able to remember the instructions later. Writing on the other hand is a
form of emphasis. As the learner writes, they tend to repeat and emphasize that which they have
read. This emphasis is crucial for retention and recalling which is what learning is about. A
learner must remember what they learn and be able to apply it.
Online Learning Environment
Online learning has become very common in recent years with the advent of technology.
It is one of the styles of learning which must be combined with their styles to become effective.
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This style of learning must be incorporated with book learning. It is not sufficient that students
should rely just on what is sent to them via the online platform. The danger of relying on this
form of learning solely is that student will not make extra effort of reading extra materials. This
will make their learning very limited. Online learning must therefore be combined with book
reading so as to expand on knowledge.
Why So?
While in school, students just want to go through the system and get done. It is not very
much their concern whether they actually leaner what they ought to. This means that whenever
students find shortcuts, they often go for them (Reid, 2010). Having an online platform without
incorporating any other style of learning will give students an easy way out which they will often
prefer. The risk is that the effort of the student will not be put into action.
In a learning process, a student should not just wait for instructors to give them all the
materials. An instructor is supposed to be a guide for the students who then must go beyond and
look for further information. Students must therefore be encouraged to read widely and consult
various reading materials. The information provided on the online platform must therefore not be
fully comprehensive. There should be gaps which students will be required to fill by reading the
actual text. It is only in so doing that the culture of reading will be emphasized. Further this
combination of learning styles ensures that students do not just read to pass exams. Instead, they
read to gain knowledge which should be the primary goal. Combination of learning styles is
certainly the best way to enhance leaning and accommodate all learners.
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References
LeFever, M. (2011). Learning styles. New York: Prentice Hall.
Reid,G. (2010). Learning styles and inclusion. London: Sage
