Learning Styles: Not as important as we think

Learning styles, how does someone learn?  Can it be pinpointed to one particular style?  Do students only learn when taught to their style?  Is there a right answer to these questions…I don’t think so, but I think everyone has their own ideas and opinions on learning styles, especially teachers and educators who work with students day in and day out. 

Why the focus on learning styles?  I think it is another way to show schools are implementing comprehensive programs and offering children in their community a balanced education.  Schools don’t want to give community members and parents a chance to say you did not teach my child in their learning style and that is why they didn’t succeed so they push for teachers to constantly update and change their model of instruction. 

Just like with everything you have a preference on certain things and the same goes for learning.  Someone may be a visual learner and prefer to be taught that way, but that doesn’t mean that is the only way they can learn.  I personally have never liked math and no matter what style it was presented I don’t think I would like it, however I was able to successfully complete math courses because I wanted to push myself to get through it.  A large part of learning and success falls under motivation.  Do you even want to learn what is being taught?  It doesn’t matter if it is your best subject, if you are not motivated or had a bad morning before school; chances are you will not preform your best.

Good classroom instruction involves a teacher that introduces a lesson topic in a way that students can relate to.  Using a students name in a problem or a story to grab their attention, and allowing students to explore the topic through various methods.  Give open ended assignments that allow technology rich students to create PowerPoint’s and videos, while the art student can create a painting, while the writer writes a poem all on the same topic and come together to share ideas and perspectives.  Each student is able to focus on his or her interests while covering the same topic.

Teachers need to be a support system for all students and understand their preferred method and work with the student to foster their knowledge.  Build a relationship and trust so when a student is struggling to grasp a concept they wont be afraid to come to their teacher to ask for help.  They don’t need to give up because it is not the style they like, teachers are there to help guide them and get them to see their potential.  No matter the style they can tailor it to their own a little and get through.    

So are there learning styles?  Yes I do believe there are but I do not think they are too strong.  Focusing on motivation, classroom bonds and relationships, and topic can lead to learning for all.