Wow, I can't believe that another class has been completed...as the saying goes "time flies when you are having fun...or should I say having fun learning something new". As I think back to the very first chapter in this course, and the first weeks assignments, I begin to realize that teaching and learning styles are what creates students. I wanted to thank all my classmates for their support and help with my first blog and in followers of my blog. Now it is time to take a brief moment and reflect on The Wonderful World of Learning Styles.
In looking back at all the new learning styles that have come about, I have come to a big conclusion about "The Wonderful World of Learning Styles". I can honestly say that how I teach in class is really how I learn. I am what is called a combo learner with traits that use visual, auditory and tactile essence. When I teach now, I try very hard to combine various learning styles so that no one person is left behind. By using some of the tools that others have brought to my attention and ones such as Blooms taxonomy and VARK teaching methods, each month I create a better atmosphere so that the students can feel my energy and excitement as I instruct. My new strengths along with positive reinforcement from student surveys will enable me to be the best teacher that I can be. I am always willing to take on new challenges, and believe me this Blog was a challenge for me. I can now incorporate my blog site moving forward to challenge students in my curriculum.
STREGNTH:
As I continue my learning experiences in this wonderful profession of teaching, I find that with every learning experience there is a person behind the scenes who developed a thought or a process that others felt worked. Bloom's Taxonomy is a good example of of how one person can present information in such a fashion that stuck out to so many people.
My strongest experience thus far has been that I notice more, and yes, have opened my eyes to using other methods of learning. I feel that it is important to me as an instructor to be able to understand my students and how they learn because when they succeed in a course, I succeed and in turn become an even better educator. I am not afraid to say that I am wrong or that OOPS, I made a mistake and move on.
IMPROVEMENT:
Oh my goodness...we all have room for improvement. After reading and reviewing other people's opinions on various learning styles, I believe that I can improve my learning styles by going outside of my comfort area and try a different style. I really need to take more time and reach out to other students on the discussion board not just by responding to something I like, but also critique and get more information on a subject that intrigues me.
I have a tendency of doing tasks that are easy and quick and leaving the items that I know will take longer to complete until the last minute. I need to work on developing a comfortable way to not only complete tasks that are assigned to me at work, but also in life. I have started to list tasks that I need to complete on a paper and number the order of importance using my auditory skills in such a fashion that makes me stay on task.
INSIGHT:
I must say that teaching is a wonderful profession. I love what I do and as I continue in the Adult Education program I will gain even more valuable information to be the greatest instructor that I can be. I understand now that everyone has their own learning style and if I can at least incorporate various styles into each of my courses this will allow greater success in students that I instruct. I know that I must use the white board more and have students come up to the board to present materials, and I must be more aware when I give assignments. I understand some students do not care to speak in front of others or some prefer to work alone. By being able to understand all learning styles I will make sure to present materials in such a way that will go outside of my "box" and into some other area that I am weaker in by creating a user friendly classroom that will fit just about anyone. I know that this may not always be possible, but at least I will give it my best so that all my students will succeed in their learning style and how I will try to make that possible is by engaging them as I teach.
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