Learning styles and demographics
The lessons in this course have been quite enlightening with regards to the various learning styles...tidbits like the fact that kinesthetic learners will be more like to encode information along with emotional cues, for instance. Fascinating.
Have there been any studies attempting to map different learning styles to different demographics: gender? socio-economic? Ethnic or racial? Sexual orientation? Does an individual's learning style stay consistent over time, or does it tend to change with age? If so, what styles tend to map to what ages?
I find that older learners respond more to learning styles evocative of eras past, using fountain pens and big band music. Younger learners do better with video inspired learning games and loud rap style music.Students who hark from deprived backgrounds respond well to the luxury of air conditioning and soft seats. Food also can inspire them. Taking in to consideration a student's economic and environmental circumstance is important--for instance asking them to purchase a tibetan drum may be inappropriate while offering to loan them one may help them feel included.
This topic is of great interest to me because the courses I teach have a very wide cross section of folks attending. They vary by age generation. This poses a unique challenge because I have to devise ways to keep the Baby Boomers interested and not let the Generation X and Y folks fall out. I have found that the older generation requires more hands on learning techniques in comparison to the younger. The younger folks tend to be more adventurous in there learning styles. They are willing to try different learning ways.
It is also important to remember that the generation in question have learned how to cope in the world with different levels of technology and rely on that comfort in learning. In my classrooms I have students that range in age from 18-60+. Computer usage is often something that is scary for the older generation that have not grown up with the technology but when they are paired with a more technologically advanced student not only does it train them better but bridges the age gap.
Hi Farley!
Excellent point! I do find, though, that older students are typically very eager and quick to learn new info. Therefore, most are very interested in technology and willing to learn. Pairing them with younger - more tech savy - students is a great idea.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I disagree the older students are motivated and wnat to learn, that's why they are there
I whole heartily agree. However, I have seen the situation of the younger student and the older student transposed. Younger students have attached themselves to the older student for thier vast array of knowledge and the application of wisdom that goes along with it.
Oh absolutely Regene!
I was a non-traditional student in college and I would find that I ALWAYS had a study group. Students thought because I was older, I knew more and probably that was true in some areas. But what they failed to realize is that I had been out of school for many years and a lot of things had changed. SO - I was do grateful to have the young, fresh minds to help in my learning process. It was a win-win for all of us!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Students paying their schooling have a better positive attitude, participate more, are willing to learn more and are easy to keep their attention. On the other hand, the other ones (Mum & dad are paying the schooling) are the one that need more help and more effort to keep their attention.
