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Learning Styles in the Classroom for Week Three

This week in mathematics we focused on the gratification of mathematics as well as understanding how to approach various types of learners in the classroom.

JoanDragonfly. Venn Diagram of 3 Learning Styles. June.8,2017. Retrieved from:
http://bit.ly/2y2gQrz 

I had fun trying various tests that helped me to identify what type of learner that I am and surprisingly I have discovered that I am equally an audio and visual learner. I think it is imperative that instructors design their lessons, delivery, and classroom environment to enrich and engage various types of learners (ie. kinesthetic, visual, and audio). 

I think it is important that we encourage students to understand how they learn best whether it be auditorally, visually, or kinestheically. With this being said, I also think that educators shouldn't encourage students to label themselves. When someone labels themselves as a certain type of learner, I believe that students may internalize that definition and potentially subconsciously use it as a limitation. I believe that everyone benefits from exposure to a variety of learning styles and that educators must encourage students to remain open to these experiences and ways of learning.  

I believe that the gamification of mathematics is important in the classroom because it makes learning mathematics fun. It may also help to shift students' negative attitude towards mathematics by creating fun and positive experiences. 

Kathy Cassidy. Playing Guess My Number. Feb.4,2014. Retrieved from:
http://bit.ly/2y2vvTJ

By completing the assigned classroom activity, I came across a wonderful resource on the website Teachers Pay Teachers called Math Who Guess Who. This was a fun activity that engages all children and can be accommodated so that everyone can participate. It not only requires students to complete math, it also asks them to utilize mathematical language. The game includes various sheets and can be used for grades four to seven. This is a resource that I will surely incorporate into a classroom of my own. 

Until next week!

Ashley

Comments

  1. Hi Ashley, I agree with you that teachers should not encourage students to label themselves. Instead, students can identify their learning preferences, but should experience and be exposed to a variety of activities and learning styles. This would encourage and challenge students to expand their capabilities. However, I realize that the knowledge of learning styles can be useful to both teachers and students. A concern that I have is that teachers only teach according to their own preferred learning style. It is more important to vary activity types in our lessons so that we satisfy diverse learners with different learning styles.

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