When Learning Styles and Teaching Styles Conflict
This may not be surprising, but instructors tend to teach in ways that fit their own particular styles of learning. So an instructor who learns best in a read/write mode or aural mode will probably just lecture and give the class little opportunity for either interaction or visual and kinesthetic learning. But an instructor who prefers a more interactive, hands-on environment will likely involve students in discussion and learning through experience.
Which learning situations work best for you? Think about the following questions:
- Do you enjoy listening to lectures, or do you find yourself bored?
- When your instructor assigns a group discussion, what is your immediate reaction?
- Do you dislike talking with other students, or is that the way you learn best?
- How do you react to lab sessions when you have to conduct an actual experiment? Is this an activity you look forward to or one that you do not like?
Each of these learning situations is more interesting for some students than for others, but each is certainly going to be part of your college experience. Your college has intentionally designed courses that give you opportunities to listen to instructors who are well educated and trained in their fields, to interact with other students in structured groups, and to learn by doing. A true advantage of attending a two-year college is that your instructors’ main job is to teach students like you, but they will do so with different styles. Because these are all essential components of your college education, it’s important for you to make the most of each situation, learn the content of each course and in general learn how to learn better.
YOUR TURN > ON YOUR OWN
Below, list the classes you are taking this term in order from most favorite to least favorite. Then add the instructor’s teaching style for each class on your list. Do you think that your preferences have anything to do with the way the classes are taught? Why or why not? To complete this activity, download a copy here.
When you recognize a mismatch between how you best learn and how you are being taught, you need to take control of your learning process and develop some strategies to learn the material the way you prefer. For instance, if you don’t like listening to a lecture, you will want to sit close to the front of the classroom to reduce distractions. You might also want to record the lecture (with the instructor’s permission) so that you can listen to it again. Don’t depend on the instructor or the classroom environment to give you everything you need to make the most of your learning. Use your own preferences, talents, and abilities to develop many different ways to study and retain information. Look back through this chapter to remind yourself of the ways that you can use your own learning style to be more successful in any class you take.