Lesson 2: How We Learn, Teach, and Tailor a Unit Study to Fit
2-4 Tailoring a Unit Study to Their Learning Styles
DOWNLOAD: Learning Method Preferences Checklist
Now that you have greater insight not only into your children's learning styles but also yours as well, let's see how we can incorporate your findings into planning your unit studies . . . and other areas of study as well. Some of the assessment sites we looked at also give you suggestions on how best to teach to a given learning style.
For this section, let's come at learning from a different angle. Rather than pick a model from the many presented, let's take a look at most of the techniques or methods which we use to learn. We'll set up a questionnaire of our own which you can apply to each of your children to determine the exact resources and techniques you'll want to employ when you start to put any unit studies together. Your children may enjoy being interviewed to assess which ways they prefer to work . . . you may be surprised. The list could also be a springboard for beginning of year preparation, brainstorming with them on what they would like to see in their studies.
You can also use this as a checklist for changing preferences for each child or as a guideline to types of items you want to include in a particular unit study. You may want to use it as a barometer to gauge your children's changing interests over the years. Somewhere between 8 years and 12 years of age my daughter lost interest in a games approach to most topics. However, more realistic simulations for areas of interest actually grew. I wish I had checked her interest level in these as times changed rather than hear suddenly one day that "I just don't want to play games anymore!"
The survey follows in the form of a checklist. Feel free to remove or add items to fit your own interests and needs. If you prefer, you can download a table form of this checklist with a 3-star system for you and especially your students to list their preferences.
Assessing Learning Method Preferences Checklist
Tools & Techniques
__ games __ simulations __ competition __ dramatization __ theme unit studies __ role play __ multi-media aids __ computer usage __ construction __ physical activities __ workbooks __ paper & pen/pencil __ drawing or painting __ handwork or crafts __ imaginative & creative writing __ essay writing __ expository writing (essays, reports, etc.) __ lots of variety wherever possible __ hands-on work __ repetition __ memorization __ written tests __ oral tests __ drill & review mastered material __ __ __
Interaction
__ one-on-one discussions __ small group discussion __ short, dynamic student presentations __ social interaction __ independent work __ Q&A periods __ group problem solving __ debates __ team competitions __ brainstorming sessions __ preparation time before oral activities __ spontaneous oral activities __ __ __
Teacher's Planning
__ long-range goal setting __ structured routines __ logically organized lectures __ short, dynamic presentation of material __ accurate outline of material to be covered __ detailed planning __ spontaneous studies, fly off on tangents __ enthusiastic presentation of material __ student-selected projects __ long-term, involved projects __ recognition __ awards __ lots of pats on the back __ positive critiques __ repetition of technical detail (needed not always enjoyed) __ class/study outside __ field trips __ favorite class/study spot(s) __ __ __
This list is by no means comprehensive so modify it to fit your situation.
