If they can't learn the way we teach...

“If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn”

Every person learns in a different way. I came across this awesome website (http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/) which explains all of the different learning styles.

Here is a break down of each learning style from the website above:

The Seven Learning Styles

•Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

•Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

•Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

•Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

•Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

•Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

•Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Are we, as dance teachers, continuously trying to reach every single student by attempting to teach in the way they learn?

We are not perfect (although we fake it well). It is nearly impossible to cover each one of these learning styles in a one hour dance class. I do feel it is our responsibility, though, to be pushing and challeneging ourselves as educators to cover each of these learning and teaching techniques on a regular basis.

Bring a picture to share. Teach by scatting. Let the students echo you. Have them work something out independently. Make them work in groups. Let a student demonstrate and/or have them watch each other in groups.

Any one person can learn in a variety of ways listed above. Not only are we doing our job to reach every student by practicing different teaching techniques, but we are teaching them to learn in a variety of ways, as well.

Each student should leave a dance class feeling confident. And they will never feel that way if we can’t reach them with our teaching. Try something new. That student struggling in the back corner might just surprise you if you change your teaching to match the way they learn :)

Ricki-Lyn Coppock

Dance Educator/Choreographer

www.allegrodance.com