Styles...
The student who does well in the traditional classroom may not do as well in hands on environment. And conversely the student who does well with hands on may not do well in the traditional written word learning.
I have a graduate who stumbled through the lecture and written work aspect of my classes. She later told me she reads poorly and is having trouble keeping up with her 4th grader. She did very well in the lab aspect of my classes. And her personal attitude and demeanor was of a caring, gentle person. She passed but always felt as if she needed to work a little harder than her classmates and her self-esteem suffered.
She is employed and is a great team member!!
How could I build the confidence of learner who is a tactile person?
Hi Jill,
My experience has been to provide tactile learners with smaller amounts of content along with graphic organizers (instructional supports). With these supports they are able to grasp the cognitive content better. With reviews they are able to retain that information that is essential for their success and also pass state/national boards. I also help them to backward bridge to content from the tactile process. This means that I have them do hands on work and then show them how those applications apply to the content that I am asking them to read and understand. This really helps them to grasp and retain content.
Gary
I'm not sure if this would apply to all vocational studies, I teach automotive technology to future auto techs. Once I administer the first written test, I usually have the braggarts about their 100% written score, and the smart guys who do not perform well on written tests. Almost every class I teach, I announce to my class that as a service manager, I would rather hire the student who is comfortable and good in lab with an 80% test score, rather than the student who struggles in lab with perfect 100% test scores. In our particular curriculum, written tests only truly reflect short term memory, not a true, deep understanding of the subject.
Hi Joseph,
Well said. Application of knowledge and the development of skills is where it is at. These are the techs that we want working on our car.
I saw a great title to a book that I think reflects your point. The title is "Why People with IQs of 140 are Working for People With IQs of 115"
I also like the saying "It"s not how smart you are but how you are smart that determines success".
Good luck with your teaching.
Gary
Such a great question Jill. I find it so important to always explain things in several different ways. The first explanation may help 2-3 students understand...whereas the second or third explanation that is presented in a different manner (whether it be hands-on, in the lab, drawings, or visual aids) may capture the attention or understanding of the remainder of the class. Everyone learns differently and sometimes YOUR way as the instructor doesn't always fit THEIR way as a learner. Thanks for the input.
Such a great question Jill. I find it so important to always explain things in several different ways. The first explanation may help 2-3 students understand...whereas the second or third explanation that is presented in a different manner (whether it be hands-on, in the lab, drawings, or visual aids) may capture the attention or understanding of the remainder of the class. Everyone learns differently and sometimes YOUR way as the instructor doesn't always fit THEIR way as a learner. Thanks for the input.
i am also a auto tech and should i use the style of hands on to teach this class and less paper test? these students need to learn to work hands on in the field and by teaching this style it also shows who will be successful
Hi Joseph,
Content and application. This way through mini-lectures students can get the content needed and then immediately make application of it. You are correct about their need to develop tactile skills in the use to tools and problem solving.
Gary
We have had to take a test to find our idividual learning styles. I found that I tended to instruct based on my learning style. Now that I understand how others may learn I can present my information in several different ways to make sure that I cover everyone in the class. Can you imagine how well a student will do if he is a tactile learner and force to sit in front of a computer and read to himself?
In our industry, because it is a "hands on industry", we need students to show their hands on skills. Trial and error is allowed because the training aids are designed for some abuse, though after a little pratice they new to show that they can do it correctly.
I agree
Many students can test well, but couldn't work in the field if their life depended on it.
On the other hand, you have the guy that's good
with his hands, but has a hard time with the paper work.
I tell my class that they need a balance between
the two.
If they can do both well, then you will be the outstanding student or worker, in your field.
