Learning styles refer to a diverse set of theories that attempt to identify various types of learners and explain the differences in how individuals learn. The underlying view of these theories is that individuals learn differently and that one can categorize learners by their learning styles. Learning styles and what they mean to eLearning designers ELearning designers can learn a lot by understanding the types of learners for whom they are developing learning content. However, instructional designers must bear in mind that the theorists themselves have differing opinions about how to define learning styles, and how to classify learners. Knowing the learning styles and types of learners an eLearning designer is catering to can help in tailoring pedagogical approaches for that specific audience. eLearning designers can also maximize learning outcomes by using design elements and learning tools that coincide with the learning styles and preferences that learners (or at least the … [Read more...] about Types of Learners: Understanding learning styles and what they mean to eLearning designers
auditory learners
Have You Ever Wondered If Learning Styles Really Exist?
The study of learning styles aims to understand the different ways that learners are able to take in and process new knowledge. It seeks to find the best practices to help a learner absorb, comprehend, and retain a piece of information. In recent years, many instructional designers have devoted their time to come up with different learning style theories that aim to ease new knowledge acquisition. However, one big question in the world of learning styles, particularly among skeptics, is: Do learning styles really exist? The lack of reliable studies looking over the effectiveness of learning styles in the classrooms is one big issue that continues to plague it. In their study “Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Post-16 Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review,” Coffield and his colleagues bemoaned that while there are several researches available, they all have “poor reliability, poor validity, and a negligible impact on teaching and learning.” The authors also raised concerns … [Read more...] about Have You Ever Wondered If Learning Styles Really Exist?
Is It Possible to Accommodate All Types of Learners?
All eLearning professionals are well aware of the three main learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Some of the effective strategies to engage auditory learners include recording lectures and making them available for future use. To accommodate these learners, instructional designers may also consider podcasts and mnemonic devices. As opposed to auditory learners, visual learners must be able to draw a mental picture before they can process the information. To accommodate visual learners, instructional designers can use diagrams, drawings, videos, PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids such as infographics. Kinesthetic learners are those that struggle the most in a distance-learning format. Although it is much harder to accommodate kinesthetic than auditory or visual learners, it is not impossible to do so. Some of the ways to make eLearning materials more hands on include giving learners the opportunity to participate in discussions via chats or discussion … [Read more...] about Is It Possible to Accommodate All Types of Learners?
Synchronous ELearning: How To Engage Learners And Increase Retention
Since there is no face to face communication, online teaching requires a lot of effort not only from the instructor but also from the learner. To ensure that each student receives individual attention, I recognize various types of students in my class and adjust to their unique needs. For instance, there are learners who are clearly leaders; they always post comments and responses to other people’s questions. There are also learners who always ask many questions, and expect to receive quick and thoughtful responses almost immediately. Furthermore, there are learners who take online learning very lightly and do not participate in any discussions. Through establishing high expectations from the beginning, and reinforcing deadlines and requirements for successful course completion, I ensure that my learners are on track and their goals and expectations are met. I also provide continuous feedback to each learner using the “pull up a chair” approach. In other words, I send a quick email … [Read more...] about Synchronous ELearning: How To Engage Learners And Increase Retention