Week 9 Reflection

This question has really challenged be to evaluate how I go about teaching. I realize that I am very much a visual learner, but at the same time benefit from the kinesthetic approach to learning as well. That said the below are suggested strategies for visual learners:

1. Video Tutorials- these allow individuals to walk through the process with guided instruction, but also incorporates hands-on learning. For example, in EDTECH 502 we were asked to create several Web pages using Dreamweaver. I benefited grately from the 30 minute videos each week that directed me in each step. Being able to see the icons I should be clicking, or what my page should look like when finished, helped me to self-assess my work.
2. Fill in the blank handouts- Another tool that can be used is to have handouts set-up with purposeful blanks left. This would allow students to look at the entire page of notes and visually fill in the gaps as they listen to a presentation. It would engage them since they are actively visualizing how to fill in gaps, while also increase their interest in listening as they need the answers to complete the handout.
3. Digital presentations- Instead of using traditional Powerpoints use more modern presentation tools such as Prezi, Google Slides, SlideRocket, etc. (a more comprehensive list can be found on this blog). All of these are engaging and captivate the interest of visual learners.
4. Mindmaps/Webbing/Pre-writing strategies- These are ways to which students can create a visual representation of their thoughts and ideas. It would also provide students with direction for their writing. Many students are intimidated by the writing process, but being able to organize their thoughts beforehand would provide a road map and allow for more effective revision.

The assessment proved that I was heavily dependent on visual and kinesthetic activities, but it was clear that I am definitely not an auditory learner. Thus, it became important that I explore the strategies that would be most beneficial to auditory learners. Below are some of the strategies that I think would be effective.

1. Podcasts would allow students to listen to content and absorb what they hear. The other benefit is that podcasts reach across a wide range of genres from politics to religion to comedy. Thus, they can serve educational needs while also offering entertainment and pleasure as well.
2. Audiobooks- Instead of reading, many people have taken to audiobooks. Not only do they compliment the strengths of the auditory learner, but they are mobile and can be played anywhere from the classroom, the car, or even from an iPod being used during exercise.
3. Audio Presentation tools- VoiceThread, Audacity, Youtube, AdobeVoice, etc. are all resources that record the individual's voice in alignment with a presentation. These tools present the learner yet another opportunity to hear the material as opposed to just looking at it and being forced to engage in visual learning.
4. Oral assessments- This would require creativity, but could involve a system where questions are read out-loud for students. Moreover, students might give their responses to questions orally and offer teachers the opportunity to assess knowledge through verbal presentation of material.

One of the most difficult aspects of teaching is figuring out how to meet the needs of all students. Each is uniquely created and designed, thus differentiating instruction is essential in order to help all the learn. At times the task seems impossible and extremely daunting, but evaluating resources and experience combine to make a better teacher that can reach learners through a variety of modalities.