Susan Polick

Hi Stephen - What you are describing is called "Critical Thinking" and is really excellent to use with your students. This organization has many resources for faculty to use with your students.I encourage you to take a look at what they offer. http://www.criticalthinking.org/starting/higher_ed.cfm

I definitely agree Kay. Often students get used to learning in a certain way and will "tune out" instruction that doesn't fit that style. If encouraged however, they may find that different learning strategies may be helpful.

Great response Stephen! I liked that you pointed out how you can put together teams taking into account their learning styles. It makes for a great division of labor also; each member of the team can contribute work that fits with their style.

A good question Abundio! Rarely will you have a class that does not have at least some of a mix of learning styles, so it makes sense to just always try to incorporate each of the styles in your teaching. You will really find that it makes it more interesting for you as well. Try to find something on "You Tube" that fits with your lesson, find a great article in the paper, bring in something to demonstrate or have the students handle or examine. It makes instruction so much more interesting for you and for your students.

Yes, Abundio, it really makes sense to review the CATs with your students. They will truly learn a lot and see where they may be confused as well.

Of course I don't know what you teach but is it possible for your students to do projects or demontrations to show what they have learned?

You're right Cynthia, students can really learn to learn. For example , it is really wonderful to watch a kinesthetic student who may not have done well in high school because they were mostly lectured to. When they are taught using "hands on" activities wherever possible they absolutely shine!

Excellent! What better way to have students really absorb information than by asking them to explain how they personally have or will use it?

This is a good idea Claudia. It is also very good to read some of the emails in class (omitting the author's name) so that the question and your answer can benefit the whole class.

Thanks Luis- I hope we can share this info with many new instructors.