Learning Outcome 1 Inclusion and Diversity Reflection

In the area of inclusion and diversity, I decided to focus on the diversity of students in terms of how they learn and use inclusion by learning in different ways and thus display different learning styles.

I have always been intrigued by students’ learning styles.  I feel that students can learn through different learning styles, but students have a preferred learning style and knowing that style can help them learn.  After going to a learning styles workshop facilitated by Dr. Wendi Bush, I created an activity called, “Getting to Know Yourself” for students to complete in order to discover their preferred learning and personality styles and learn about that learning and personality style.

AN EXAMPLE OF A “GETTING TO KNOW YOURSELF” ACTIVITY

In this activity, the student takes an online survey that determines his or her preferred learning and personality styles.  Then, the website gives the students information about their learning and personality styles.  The activity walks the students through the websites and asks reflection questions, allowing the students to learn and reflect.  After the class has completed the activity, we discuss everyone’s results and how knowing one’s learning and personality styles can help one to learn and apply the information to life.  The activity is quite fun, and students really enjoy learning about themselves.  The discussion is lively because each student is interested in learning about another.  A discussion point that always arises-- and that is very important--is what happens when a student has a teacher that does not teach to the student’s preferred style or uses only one style.  This a great discussion point because I am able to mention the fact that knowing a preferred learning style cannot be used an excuse for not learning if the instructor does not use that style.  Everyone can still learn through other learning styles that are not the individual’s preferred style.  In college and the real world, people must learn to adjust.  I also point out how I make a conscious effort to use techniques that utilize all the learning styles.  For example, using the active learning notes allows learners to see the examples, hear the explanations and discussions, and do hands-on work on the problems.  The use of learning styles can be a great way to incorporate inclusion and diversity in the classroom.

In my course, I also allow students to learn in different ways.  For example, the students learn through the active learning notes, group activities, individual activities, and assessments on WebCT and the classroom as well as through discussions, lectures, and projects.