Understanding how a student learns is critical in helping them achieve success in the classroom. Difficult math concepts tend to click much faster and the student will experience far less stress and frustration if the information is presented in a way they understand. While there are several types of learning styles, there are four common types: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write. Here are a few tips when teaching students of each learning style.
Visual learners do their best learning with images, charts, graphs, and colors. These students can excel at presentations and visual projects, instead of worksheets full of math problems. While there are numerous ways teachers can engage and assist these students when learning difficult math concepts, there are some activities kids tend to enjoy more than others. A few favorite ideas include:
Using online video games that incorporate math concepts.
Utilizing 3D objects such as Legos, blocks, or beans to learn math skills.
Creating an art project. For example, using pieces of colored paper to teach fractions or how to tell time.
Auditory learners can remember information just from hearing it. These students do exceptionally well understanding information presented in a lecture or from a teacher in front of the classroom. While these students can do well in a lecture-based setting, when it comes to memorizing information, reading through math problems, or working on worksheets, they can struggle. A few tips to help auditory learners include:
Make rhymes, mnemonic devices, or songs to help students remember certain rules or concepts.
Encourage students to talk out the steps as they solve problems.
Keep students away from possible distractions such as music or conversations with other students. (Students may pay more attention to these noises rather than their own work.)
Kinesthetic learners grasp concepts by utilizing movement. These students learn by moving their bodies and being physically active. Additionally, kinesthetic learners tend to do exceptionally well when learning concepts through activities. A few ideas to help these students understand math concepts and solve mathematic equations include:
Physically weighing, measuring, moving objects.
Creating life-size models such as making floor grids and charts out of tape, chalk, or string.
Read/write learners are typically excellent math students. These students learn best by taking notes, practicing math problems, reading instructions, etc. These students tend to focus on their work and their own notes, which makes them quieter than other students in the class. While there are several ways to help these students, often these students just want to learn on their own. Teach them the concepts, let them take ample notes, and ensure they have plenty of space to write down information. However, a few tips to help these students include:
Teaching these students note-taking techniques.
Providing handouts, worksheets, and other resources for them to record notes on.
Allowing students to display information in a way that is best for them.
As an educator, pay attention to the learning style of each student. Remember that children may have a mixture of learning styles, particularly when learning various subjects, so be mindful as you teach and be flexible with your lesson plans. For more information regarding various learning styles and how to help students grasp difficult math concepts, sign up with KalqueLord and see how interactive and educational video games can work for your students of all learning styles.