Different Styles of Learning

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– Josh, as a teacher, do you think that so-called learning styles matter?

– Some time ago I didn’t use to think so, but the longer I teach, the more I can see that they do. The greatest difference is between extroverts and introverts, who have completely opposite needs as learners.

– So how do you cope?

– Well, I’ve worked out some good ways of dealing with this problem, and I think my students can see it and value what I do.

– So how do you work with extroverts?

– First of all, extroverts love talking, participating in and organising things. They are individuals who learn from the others in a group. They must discuss things to understand problems. They find reading, writing and research challenging activities, because these are not done collectively.

– And introverts?

– They tend to enjoy reading, listening to lectures, writing things down and, above all, working independently. They are happier if they don’t have to speak up in class at all. So I allow them to contribute to the classroom discussion only if they feel like it. I never make them do what they don’t feel good at.

– Wow, your students must love you for that.

– They definitely have a more positive attitude to learning, because they can show their strengths without showing their weaknesses. I don’t want to work with their weaknesses, but I try to help them show off their strong points.

– Thank you, Josh, for your time.

– You’re welcome.