Reflection: Being an Instructor instead of a Student
You've been a student in a classroom for many years of your life. Think of your favorite teacher(s) and reflect on these questions:
- What did that teacher do that made you enjoy learning?
- Think of a lesson that stands out as being helpful and fun. What was it about that lesson that made you enjoy it so much?
Now take this quick quiz to see what type of learner you are.
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml
How do your results match with what you remember about the teacher, the lesson, and how you have learned? The individuals you work with will be different types of learners. Some may need you to explain things to them over and over again, especially if they have memory issues. Some may need a handout to refer back to after you show them new skills. Some may want to take notes and write them down.
The best instruction includes elements that offer something to all types of learners. When you are designing instruction, consider how you can address these four types of learning:
- You can explain the content to them (auditory).
- You can give them a handout that they can follow along with (visual).
- You can have them perform the task themselves (kinesthetic).
- They can take notes on the handout you create (read and write).
Talk with the other Digital Ambassadors and brainstorm ways you can design for these four types of learning for the people you’ll work with.