Learning Styles
“The brain works as an integrated whole, not discrete, closed-off compartments”
Different regions of the brain process visual, auditory, and kinesthetic information
Modes of instruction should align to content and objectives, not learning styles
Allow students to interpret feedback, form patterns, and form meaningful connections to create a deep understanding
The concept of learning styles can be detrimental
Educators create lessons for specific learning styles
Students study in a way they perceive is best for their learning style
In reality, students would benefit learning and studying in various methods
Debunking the idea of learning styles should start with teaching programs
Teaching programs should stay up to date on evidence based methods and clarify any misconceptions
Students did not change their study methods based on a questionnaire that identified their learning style and recommended study techniques
Educators should teach their subject/topic based on evidence based methods
Digital Native vs Immigrant
Our students have changed radically. Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach.
Digital natives
retrieve information and communicate with peers very quickly
see technology as an extension of their identities
students take the same meaning from an online meeting as an in person meeting
Digital Immigrant
- Not born in digital world but have adapted or become interested in technology
- those who “speak with an outdated language (that of the pre-digital age) are struggling to teach a population that speaks an entirely new language”
Digital Immigrant educators need to change their teaching methods to reach Digital Native learners
References:
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Part 1. On The Horizon, 9, 3-6.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/10748120110424816