FORMATS AND MEDIA TO SUIT DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES AND KEEP STUDENTS INTERESTED

By Elaine-Kirn Rubin and Arthur Rubin

In contrast to didactic, teacher-centered classroom methodologies, experiential education encourages and enables students to become actively involved in the learning process. Variety is critical to the success of this approach because individuals differ in their primary learning styles, the modes of receiving or processing stimuli that work best for them. Using materials and techniques designed to fit auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and/or tactile learning styles, whether simultaneously or sequentially, make it much more likely that the learning process will be successful.  

Of course, introducing variety can also help prevent learners from tuning out. There are a number of available product formats that have been shown to work optimally in almost all teaching/learning scenarios, e.g., for individuals and groups, short or long-term study sessions.

Practically-oriented student textbooks, worktexts and workbooks not only tell readers what they need to know but also guide them in putting what they learn to best use. These materials tend to begin with pedagogical explanations and examples, then provide controlled exercises to illustrate salient points, move on with communicative or expressive practice exercises, and end with summaries and “beyond-the-text” suggestions. Manuals that target specific sub-skills such as pronunciation, spelling, or vocabulary usually contain tasks to complete, get feedback on and review.