Modes of learning

[DWx]

Instructors, how do you, in your own classes, cater to different learning preferences?

There are 7 learning categories and everyone will fall into 1 or more of these groups:

*Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

*Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

*Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

*Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

*Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

*Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

*Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

Martial arts are primarily physical endeavors but as teachers are you aware of the above learning styles and do you structure your teaching methods to allow for all types of learners?

[sensei8]

Instructors, how do you, in your own classes, cater to different learning preferences?

There are 7 learning categories and everyone will fall into 1 or more of these groups:

*Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

*Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

*Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

*Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

*Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

*Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

*Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

Martial arts are primarily physical endeavors but as teachers are you aware of the above learning styles and do you structure your teaching methods to allow for all types of learners?

My methodologies of my teaching structure MUST allow for all types of learners because all learn differently; learning curves vary from practitioner to practitioner. Students aren't out from some cookie cutter; none's the same.

This is one of the many reasons that not all black belts can teach!! While the syllabus/curriculum is important, but it's nothing more than a guideline, however, some students get it quicker than others, for one reason or another.

While the 7 ways you've listed are solid across the board, it's the 1 thing that must be born...DESIRE!!

[Lupin1]

The most I've ever done to differentiate (that's the fancy teacher word for it) is draw a diagram of one of the kata for a kid. I think we've got a decent mix of individual practice and partner work, but mostly it's "watch then do" or "listen to me explain it then do".

I'm of the opinion that everyone uses all learning styles in different contexts. I don't really think people have one certain style.

[blacknebula]

I'm not an instructor, but I have brought this topic up with other people on a number of occasions. I wish more instructors had an understanding of learning styles. Take kata for example. The typical way of teaching a kata that I have seen (from my Sensei and at least a dozen other instructors I have trained with at camps and seminars) is to go through it one step at a time from beginning to end. This is a very kinesthetic way of learning. I am a strong visual and verbal learner and this does nothing for me. I might as well not even be in the class for all I learn when doing it that way! I go home and teach myself the basic moves of the kata by watching videos on the internet and using a books I have bought that either show pictures and/or have descriptions like "step forward into a left front stance and execute a left mid-level inside block". That I can wrap my brain around. Then after I have figured that out I can go to class and pick up the finer points that the instructor talks about. But not everyone has the knowledge to realize that they aren't suceeding because of a learning style mismatch and the motivation to teach themselves, so probably a lot of people get discouraged and just quit.

[bushido_man96]

I didn't realize there were that many ways of learning. I don't sing in my classes, so that one is pretty well out. However, I do try to keep a read on my students, and try to figure out what works best for them. Usually, I'll try to present the same idea in a few different ways, so that hopefully I cover everyone in a way they can understand. Barring that, its a roaming activity after the explanation so I can figure how best to get each student to understand.

[Lupin1]

Something I think could be embraced more in individual schools is technology. Ever since my instructor put videos of instructors doing our kata on YouTube, my at home training has vastly improved. I learn almost all my kata by watching the videos first and then going to class and getting clarification. Great for visual learners. I also once had my instructor e-mail a step-by-step breakdown of a kata for me and I recently bought a book that breaks down all the Isshinryu kata step-by-step. Not quite as helpful as video for me, but might be for someone else and it certainly adds value when I use them both together. I think many students would benefit from a website (password protected if desired by the instructor) with videos and written explanations for home practice.

[bassaiguy]

I always recommend videos as a supplement to class instruction, but I discourage my students from learning new kata from them. I think you miss too many of the little details - at least I do. Lawrence Kane wrote a book called "Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques In the Dojo" which begins to address this topic although I think he could have been more creative with the application of learning theory to martial arts. It's a good intro, but if you've been teaching awhile there's nothing too earth shattering in the book.

[Nidan Melbourne]

When I teach students i find out throughout the classes to see how they learn best.

I also ask them as well when i am teaching them to see how they learn best.

Even though If i teach them often i'll remind them that if they don't understand what to do then ask, so i'll explain it in another way so they can understand.

[DWx]

I didn't realize there were that many ways of learning. I don't sing in my classes, so that one is pretty well out. However, I do try to keep a read on my students, and try to figure out what works best for them. Usually, I'll try to present the same idea in a few different ways, so that hopefully I cover everyone in a way they can understand. Barring that, its a roaming activity after the explanation so I can figure how best to get each student to understand.

I think creativity and mixing it up is key. To the bold type, it's not necessarily singing but for those that respond best to musical teaching I think you can still convey that your movements should have a rhythm; whether you are working on kata or just combinations, some students "get it" better if they can appreciate how and what kind of tempo they should be moving at.

[DWx]

But not everyone has the knowledge to realize that they aren't suceeding because of a learning style mismatch and the motivation to teach themselves, so probably a lot of people get discouraged and just quit.

When I teach students i find out throughout the classes to see how they learn best.

I also ask them as well when i am teaching them to see how they learn best.

Even though If i teach them often i'll remind them that if they don't understand what to do then ask, so i'll explain it in another way so they can understand.

I think these are important points that both students and teachers should be aware of. From a teacher's point of view, a student is not stupid or unteachable because they don't understand how you've explained it, you've just not yet hit on the best way to convey the lesson to them. Equally students shouldn't get disheartened because they don't understand, the should ask for a demonstration or a different way of explaining

On the side of my regular job I tutor kids, specialising in maths and science. Over the years you end up with different ways to teach the same subject dependant on how that person learns. For example teaching fractions to kids. Some get it better if I bring in something like Lego or a bag of sweets they can physical divide up because they are better at learning through physical activity, some prefer to talk about it and go through logically, others like to use pictures and draw things themselves. Same lesson just different ways of conveying it.