2 answers
Shoshanna
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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How should I approach a teacher with a style of teaching incompatible with my style of learning?
#JULY20 Many students in the class feel the same as me and we have found YouTube videos to substitute, however if we are just going to teach ourselves, it feels like our time and resources are being misused by the school if the teaching staff is not adjusting to the mass of students.
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2 answers
Cindy Margheim
Educator
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hi Shoshanna,
My name is Mrs. M and I am a teacher with my local school district. Your question is very pertinent to these times. Since schools have closed down because of Covid 19, we know how difficult it is for all our students to manage learning by themselves.
As teachers, we would have never imagined that something like this would happen, and it has been a learning curve for us as well. But I would like to offer some advice and hopefully help you out.
First of all, you mentioned that the teacher's teaching style is not compatible with how you learn. To start, what is your learning style? Take a look at the descriptions below:
Visual Learner - Visual learners are those who prefer learning by observing things. Using pictures, images, diagrams, whiteboards and more helps these types of learners understand information better.
Auditory Learner - Aural learners are good listeners who normally learn best through verbal presentations like lectures and speeches.
Verbal Learner - These learners prefer using words, both in speech and writing. They can easily express themselves and usually love to read and write.
Physical Learner - Whether it’s by using their body or hands, these learners are all about the sense of touch. Physical activities and sports play a big part in these student’s lives.
Logical Learner - If there is logic, reasoning and numbers involved, these learners are sure to excel. These students function and solve complex problems by employing strategies and their scientific way of thinking.
Social Learner - Learning in groups and working with others is favored by social learners. These students know how to communicate effectively and enjoy collaborating with others,
Solitary Learner - These students prefer to use self-study and work alone. They are independent and are very self-aware and in tune with their thoughts and feelings.
(Source credit: Different learning styles. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/children).
What kind of work are you receiving (worksheets, online, zoom instruction, etc.)
What kind of teaching style do your teachers have?
Have you reached out to your teachers and voiced your concerns?
What kind of resources would you like to have, besides youtube, to help you learn more effectively?
Are you struggling in a specific subject?
If you do not mind answering those questions, I will try my best to give you some advice. Thank you for posting this awesome question. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Mrs. M
My name is Mrs. M and I am a teacher with my local school district. Your question is very pertinent to these times. Since schools have closed down because of Covid 19, we know how difficult it is for all our students to manage learning by themselves.
As teachers, we would have never imagined that something like this would happen, and it has been a learning curve for us as well. But I would like to offer some advice and hopefully help you out.
First of all, you mentioned that the teacher's teaching style is not compatible with how you learn. To start, what is your learning style? Take a look at the descriptions below:
Visual Learner - Visual learners are those who prefer learning by observing things. Using pictures, images, diagrams, whiteboards and more helps these types of learners understand information better.
Auditory Learner - Aural learners are good listeners who normally learn best through verbal presentations like lectures and speeches.
Verbal Learner - These learners prefer using words, both in speech and writing. They can easily express themselves and usually love to read and write.
Physical Learner - Whether it’s by using their body or hands, these learners are all about the sense of touch. Physical activities and sports play a big part in these student’s lives.
Logical Learner - If there is logic, reasoning and numbers involved, these learners are sure to excel. These students function and solve complex problems by employing strategies and their scientific way of thinking.
Social Learner - Learning in groups and working with others is favored by social learners. These students know how to communicate effectively and enjoy collaborating with others,
Solitary Learner - These students prefer to use self-study and work alone. They are independent and are very self-aware and in tune with their thoughts and feelings.
(Source credit: Different learning styles. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/children).
What kind of work are you receiving (worksheets, online, zoom instruction, etc.)
What kind of teaching style do your teachers have?
Have you reached out to your teachers and voiced your concerns?
What kind of resources would you like to have, besides youtube, to help you learn more effectively?
Are you struggling in a specific subject?
If you do not mind answering those questions, I will try my best to give you some advice. Thank you for posting this awesome question. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Mrs. M
Lynn Yellen
retired teacher
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
Generally speaking, teachers really want to help their students learn. The first step is to tell the teacher that you are struggling. That language immediately disarms a potentially defensive teacher because it isn't an attack. Remember that we're people, too, and sometimes we feel bad about our work. Then, describe what has been helpful to you in the past when you were trying to make sense of new material. I love a demonstration, especially with lots of visual and verbal cues. Some people like written directions. For some students, knowing how the new material fits into familiar concepts makes all the difference. Others like things broken into discrete steps, so that they don't have to think about the whole process all at once.
It's appropriate to say, 'When you do this, I feel...." For example, I had a teacher who told me that setting up an excel spreadsheet was 'super easy'. Since I was having difficulty following the steps, I felt stupid when he said that. I told him so, and also told him that new technologies intimidate me, and it would help if he would show me how to do it more slowly before handing me instructions. He really did want to teach me to set up the spreadsheet, and he had intended to be encouraging. Once he understood what I needed, he knew how to help me. He appreciated that I talked to him, and gave me an effective demonstration during which I asked a lot of questions. Although I didn't find it 'super easy', I was proud when I learned how to set up an excel spreadsheet.
If many other students are having difficulty learning from this teacher, don't assume that everyone is having the same difficulty. Many classes are large and have students of varying abilities and learning styles; it is a challenge for any teacher to find a strategy that works for all students. But most teachers are willing to work with students one-on-one to find a strategy that works for them.
And finally, it's worth remembering that our expectations matter. If someone has told you that the teacher is terrible (or mean), that expectation can interfere with our ability to have our own experience. If the teacher was able to help you, encourage your classmates to talk to your teacher and ask for what they need.
It's appropriate to say, 'When you do this, I feel...." For example, I had a teacher who told me that setting up an excel spreadsheet was 'super easy'. Since I was having difficulty following the steps, I felt stupid when he said that. I told him so, and also told him that new technologies intimidate me, and it would help if he would show me how to do it more slowly before handing me instructions. He really did want to teach me to set up the spreadsheet, and he had intended to be encouraging. Once he understood what I needed, he knew how to help me. He appreciated that I talked to him, and gave me an effective demonstration during which I asked a lot of questions. Although I didn't find it 'super easy', I was proud when I learned how to set up an excel spreadsheet.
If many other students are having difficulty learning from this teacher, don't assume that everyone is having the same difficulty. Many classes are large and have students of varying abilities and learning styles; it is a challenge for any teacher to find a strategy that works for all students. But most teachers are willing to work with students one-on-one to find a strategy that works for them.
And finally, it's worth remembering that our expectations matter. If someone has told you that the teacher is terrible (or mean), that expectation can interfere with our ability to have our own experience. If the teacher was able to help you, encourage your classmates to talk to your teacher and ask for what they need.