Pttls_Activity_6

Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Teaching and Learning Approaches Activity 6: Identifying relevant approaches to teaching and learning 1. It is very important to understand your own learning style as this will determine your natural teaching style. In order to meet the requirements of all potential learners you should remember that there are three main types of learning style, visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. Although there are many other learning style inventories, I prefer to use this one within my own teaching practice. One reason for this is that I feel the three learning styles are applicable to my learners, and although the categories seem quite narrow, as they only allow for three types of learners, there is also the scope within each to deal with the differentiation of abilities between learners. I have completed the VAK test and identified, as expected, that I am predominantly a kinaesthetic learner. My scores were as follows: Visual 7/30 Auditory 8/30 Kinaesthetic 15/30 This learning style inclines me to a more ‘hands on’ approach. I am less likely to provide visually and auditory stimulating training and more likely to deliver practical based sessions. With this in mind it is important that I develop a well rounded delivery style covering all three styles, in particular Visual and Auditory as these will not come as naturally. 2. For each learning style there are various, recommended teaching styles or approaches. It is important to explore, understand and implement these in order to include every learner you are responsible for reaching and developing. It is a good idea to get each learner to complete a learning style assessment to identify what kind of group and individuals you will have. This will make your course content and delivery more effective. Below is a list of approaches for each learning style: Visual • Video • Flipcharts • Presentations • Case study • Scaffolding Audio • CDs/MP3s • Lecture/Insrtuctional • Group discussion Kinaesthetic • Roleplay • Practical workshops • Drawing • Building/Making • Games Naturally, some of these can crossover into the other learning styles I am using but as a rule they are very good ways of gaining interest and involvement from each style. Having already identified the learning of styles of your learners it should be relatively straightforward to plan your training session. I always try to incorporate different methods to meet the need of each learning style. Some methods lends themselves better to delivering information, ie, if you were discussing trading law then a Visual/Auditory approach would be best. However when teaching the correct way in which to value a car, by far the best means is to get out and have a go (Roleplay). Below is a typical opening to a Sales Executive induction course and the way in which each part is delivered to meet the needs of each learning style. Getting attention and commitment at this stage is vitally important to ensure a successful learning out come for each learner: Introductions – music on entry, bright flipcharts, lively tone and delivery, icebreakers H&S Awareness – lively tone and delivery, find exits and extinguishers, note these down Agenda – bright flipcharts, lively tone and delivery, write down agenda Ground Rules – Flipchart, lively tone and delivery, group discussion, individuals to take it in turn to add to flipchart Expectations – Flipchart, lively tone and delivery, group discussion, individuals to take it in turn to add to flipchart As you can see from the very start each learning style is met to gain interest. A more effective level of development will be achieved once the learner is engaged and open.