Learning Styles

I have had a lot of experience working with learning styles over the past few years.  I taught at a school for three years that focused on teaching students with different learning styles.  There is not much doubt in my mind that every person learns differently.  However, I have a hard time believing that we can find out exactly how someone learns best by taking a five minute quiz.  

I have taken a couple different learning style quizzes.  It seems like every time I've taken a quiz the results have come out differently.  With that being said, I think I have found which ways I learn best.  One strategy that instructors have used that has been effective for my learning style is using real world examples.  I feel like it helps me relate a concept and then be able to apply that knowledge later.  Another way is learning through inquiry labs.  I feel like putting the information together myself and working with hands on material helps me understand new information better.  Of course, some types of lessons have been less effective for me.  Listening to lectures has always been difficult for me to grasp information as I am not an auditory learner.  Lectures have always been more effective for me if I have visuals to go along with it.  

It is very difficult for teachers to incorporate all learning styles into every lesson.  There are times when a teacher needs to introduce new material in which a lecture and notes is the best option available.  Instead, teachers should focus on having a variety of lessons to meet many different learning styles.  As a science teacher I do this by having students ask questions, research material, learn from data tables and charts, work with hands on models, do labs that require movement, and many other types of lessons.