Teaching and Learning Styles
It is evident that schools in the current society are filled with diversity whether it is culturally, ethnically or socially (Montgomery & Groat, 1998). All of these unique features can play a part in the type of learning style the child prefers. The personality and genetic makeup of the learner also affects the way in which they perceive and process information differently to other learners. (Gregorc, 1982) According Ellis (1985, p.14) a learning style is “the more or less consistent way in which a person perceives, conceptualizes, organizes and recalls information.” Therefore it is extremely vital that teachers adapt their teaching styles within the classroom so that each child is able to gain full knowledge of content taught and are able to apply knowledge when required. Dunn and Dunn (1979) also stated that students learn best and most productively when the teaching methods used match their preferred learning styles. Therefore a teacher needs to be creative, efficient and dedicated to allow every child to progress and achieve their full potential. “Students tend to behave more independently when they are confident of their ability to perform.” (Randall, Buscher & Swerkes. 1995, p. 73)
Dyer (1995) found that “each preferred learning style has a matching preferred method of instruction.” The student-teacher relationship will therefore also be important as the student is more interested in learning when they feel comfortable and motivated in the surrounding environment which will result in a higher success rates. The classroom conditions are therefore important to ensure that learning takes place, specifically for learners who are visually orientated, which will be discussed below. (Lemmer, Meier & Van Wyk, 2006) The environment does not only need to satisfy the learner but also the parents and community, an example could be equality which needs to be enforced. This is one of the reasons why being a teacher is more complex and challenging then society makes it
Dyer (1995) found that “each preferred learning style has a matching preferred method of instruction.” The student-teacher relationship will therefore also be important as the student is more interested in learning when they feel comfortable and motivated in the surrounding environment which will result in a higher success rates. The classroom conditions are therefore important to ensure that learning takes place, specifically for learners who are visually orientated, which will be discussed below. (Lemmer, Meier & Van Wyk, 2006) The environment does not only need to satisfy the learner but also the parents and community, an example could be equality which needs to be enforced. This is one of the reasons why being a teacher is more complex and challenging then society makes it
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