Multimodal Literacies MOOC’s Updates
Accommodating Learner Differences
Different students have different learning styles. According to Bay Atlantic University (2021), there are four main learning styles in education: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Reading/Writing. These learning styles are the ones primarily found within the classroom, and while everyone uses a combination of those four styles, some are more partial to a certain type. For example, one student could still learn well by reading about a certain topic, but they might have an easier time grasping the concept if they were to listen to a podcast about it. Classrooms contain many different types of learners, so it’s important that teachers are able to cater to their needs.
One strategy I’ve seen is called DCIA, which stands for differentiated curriculum, instruction, and assessment. In my experience, DCIA activities allow students to be able to turn in their projects using whichever form of media they’d like (within the allowed list), to help them play to their strengths in school. For example, someone who is more musically inclined may cover the topic through song, while a student who’s more proficient in reading or writing could write an essay instead. This addresses the differences in students’ learning styles because the flexibility allows students to choose whichever activity they feel will benefit their learning the most, as opposed to the teacher picking one mode of communication. In a sense, it allows education to be a bit more personalised for them.
Bay Atlantic University. (2021, September 27). 8 Types of Learning Styles | The Definitive Guide. https://bau.edu/blog/types-of-learning-styles/
It's insightful that you've highlighted the importance of recognizing diverse learning styles in education. The Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Reading/Writing styles offer a spectrum of preferences among students. The DCIA strategy, focusing on differentiated curriculum, instruction, and assessment, provides a flexible approach. Allowing students to choose their preferred form of media for projects empowers them to leverage their strengths. This personalized approach acknowledges the uniqueness of each student's learning style, contributing to a more inclusive and effective educational experience.