I am actually pretty critical of the different learning styles theory, it doesn't have any imperical basis when you study it statistically.
Individual Learning Styles can also help you pair partners or group work.
I would also add that shy students sometimes have difficulty in lab. We need to do our best to not let them be over-run by our more verbal students. Also, they tend to be more hesitant about answering questions around their peers for fear of being embarassed, I try to make effort to ask them privately if they have questions.
With true hands on they are getting the feel of what they need to know to continue in the career they are embarking into.
A Lab environment is good for Kinisthetic learners but anything hands-on provides a welcome change of environment and a different type of challenge for any student.
Knowing a students learning style is the most effective way to conduct hands on training because that knowledge allows you access that students strengths and allows them to feel confident in the learning process thus leading to a student who is not only competent but confident.
Comment on Laura Hogins's post: safety issues
Using virtual learning instruments are good for getting the basic skills, but they lack the ability to show the students the true danger in the task.
need to apply the objective
Virtual labs can be useful to simulate the experience without the real hazards.
The needs of the different learning styles and methods of trying to improve your students learning with labs.
I do agree cooperative and active learning have positive effects in the lab: as students are more engaged, they grasp the materials much faster and easily. There is significant improvement in their cognition as well as they are able to reflect back in a more better way.
Teaching in a lab can have many challenges, in many aspects such as the visibility of the students who are standing in the back; the instructor / instructors mite not be able to demonstrate certain things due to lack of appropriate models or study materials; may be due to budgeting issues, spacing issues, storage issues etc... In these situations virtual lab can be more beneficial to engage and connect the students. Plus the students can repeat the exercises several time on their own pace and have a better practise. Another advantage is that the risks of safety hazard is low when using a virtual lab.
There seem to be many different characteristics of Lab or shop teaching. You must first identify the different learning styles of the students. When they can move at their own pace, they are less stressed and likely to be more successful. However, they also need to be progressively reaching not only their goals, but also completing the course on time.
I try doing the first project so they can see what I want them to do.
Lab work is not alway practical. finding the right combination of lecture and labwork is key to me for a good lesson plan.
Active learning strategies can greatly increase the amount of knowledge retention in students. In my classes, I can't get away from lecturing completely, but I can reduce the amount of lecturing to essential information and then have a collaborative environment where the students are able to actively be involved in creating a learning environment.
An active learning environment leads to active participation from all students. That shall create a foundation that includes different learning style students.
Knowing and implementing the various learning styles in the lab will achieve good outcomes.
Reinforce in a positive light to learners that their preferred learning techniques are their strengths.
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There are certain know difficulties with the lab environment that a teacher can try to avoid.
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