Integration of Learning Styles into the Instructional Plans

In all learning environments, there are individual differences. The diverse learners prefer specific learning styles. Ideally, the philosopher and thinkers have developed different learning styles to suit the various individuals in the educations system (Riding, R., & Rayner, 2013). In this essay, there will be a discussion of learning styles and the importance of the information in designing an instructional plan.

If this sample essay on"Integration of Learning Styles into the Instructional Plans" doesn’t help,
our writers will!

Trust an expert

Experiential learning cycle

Kolb is the proponent of experiential learning style cycle. The experiential learning style promotes the interaction of students with real objects during the process of the learning. The approach involves repeating the newly learned concepts to internalize. Additionally, the learning style seeks to promote the memory and skills of the learners through repeating concepts and interacting with real objects in the environment. The instructor using the experiential learning theory follows four important stages to promote conceptualization of the concepts.

The first step in the learning process involves exposing the concrete activities to learners (Riding, R., & Rayner, 2013). The learners, in this case, learn to manipulate the objects in their environment while learning important concepts. The second step is that the learner gets time to reflect on the lessons, make evaluations and observations. The next step of the learning process is that the learner generalizes the learned content, select the most relevant information, and develop realistic concepts. The final stage of learning in this case is that of application. The learners need to test whether the information acquired in class is applicable in performing another task. It is the duty of learner to apply the concepts learned in class to perform the related task. In the process of the application of the concepts, the learner will internalize the ideas and be able to use it in real life situations.

Learning style inventory is a learning approach where the learners chooses the learning style they are comfortable. Essentially, the individual difference in a learning environment is an important point of consideration. It is crucial to realize that some learners are fast learners while others are slow learners. For this reason, learning style inventory provides the learner with an opportunity to choose the learning style that suits their capabilities (Yang, 2003). This learning style is suitable for learners who can freely express their needs regarding the instruction approach and does self-evaluation. However, instructors should understand the varied potentials of their children and vary the methods of instructions to suit the needs of the learners. There are many teaching methods usable since the inceptions of teaching and learning in education. For example, some student prefers lecture method, discussions, and explanation to enhance their memory. However, some student learner faster with the visual aids, physical models, taking notes, the use of diagrams, graphs, and actual practices. For this reason, learning styles inventory leaves the learners at liberty to choose the learning strategy. The learning strategy promotes the interaction between the instructor and the student to understand the needs of the learners It is a difficult task for the instructor to know his students without the close relationships with the students.

Integrating Learning style inventory and experiential learning cycle in you lessons

The English language learners requires the use of listening skills to learn the language. Ideally, the learning of a language involves listening, reading and practicing the content learned. In this case, the English learners should listen as other students talk in English language and participant in practicing the vocabularies they learn in class. During the preparation of a lesson, there is a need to include relevant learning activities to make learning meaningful. In the process of learning the English language, the students student engages actively in the learning process. For example, for students to speak good English language there is a need to use the language frequently. The learning content should incorporate relevant learning tools and enough homework to back up the content learned in class (Romiszowski, 2016). Additionally, the learners should get an opportunity to choose the learning methods they are comfortable. The instructor has the mandate to understand the individual difference of the students and use the relevant methods of learning to suit the student. In this case, there is a need to use a variety of teaching methods to benefit all the students equally.

The students with special needs require the instructor to understand them better. For example, the special need students have varied learning potentials. In this case, the instructor has the mandate to listen and understand the interests of the learners. The learners could be visually impaired or have hearing problems. In this case, the instructor need to involve the use of visual aids and sign language to helps the student with special abilities internalize the lessons. The instructor evaluates the students to get the feedback regarding the effectiveness of the strategy in use. The method of assessments includes the use of open-ended questions to provoke thinking. The instructor has to utilize the idea of group discussion to boost the understanding of the young children.

Reference

Riding, R., & Rayner, S. (2013). Cognitive styles and learning strategies: Understanding style differences in learning and behavior. Routledge.

Romiszowski, A. J. (2016). Designing instructional systems: Decision making in course planning and curriculum design. Routledge.

Yang, N. D. (2003). Integrating portfolios into learning strategy-based instruction for EFL college students. IRAL, 41(4), 293-318.