Learning in a World Where . Teaching Does Not Always Work

Learning in a World

Where Teaching Does Not

Always Work— Nathan Stramer, General Reporter

Photo by Nathan Stramer

If you are like me, then congratulations!!! You have a tough time learning in some classes, and a lot of classical teaching styles do not work on you. Now that you are in high school, it is easy to lose focus, and meeting deadlines without procrastinating may seem impossible. Many people fall into different styles of learners. There are visual learners, which is someone who watches the process of what to do and can do something fairly well after seeing it a couple of times. Another style, is auditory learners. They learn best by listening to the instructions, and put an image in their mind of what is required to learn The last type of learner is the kinesthetic learner. kinesthetic learnrs learn by having a great hands on experience and something to do right in front of them. When shown what to do, they may pick up on things very quickly. I am a kinesthetic learner, and I tend to have a lot of trouble with learning things in the classical teaching setting, a piece of paper and pencil is not the way that I am able to learn. “Different kids’ personalities do not always match up with teachers.” The POD as well as Law and Justice teacher here at Mandan, Kurt Miller said. Mr. Miller has been one of the few teachers whose classes I have been able to actually learn in. Not to say the teachers whose clases I could not learn in are bad, just that, those specific teaching styles have not worked with me, and unfortunately, those specific teaching styles that do not work are a good chunk of them. Mr. Miller teaches with group discussion and activities, simple fast notes and by-the-book tests. Those forms of teaching taught me to put in an input if you have an opinion. I enjoyed them because they forced me to talk and be proactive in a class where I would have done nothing but sleep if I had the option. It was very nice to always know that we had the option to converse amongst each other. Luckily this year, I have the option to discuss with my peers in every single one of my classes. I believe that teachers are starting to understand how students learn and are trying to adapt. Additionally, I tip my hat to those teachers. I can tell that they care about their jobs and their students’ education. I want everyone reading to take something from this, if you haven’t yet, then let it be this: If you find yourself lost in class, and unable to work, get out of your comfort zone. Find a way to learn where you can do your work efficiently. If you can’t find anything, your teachers and counselors are here to help. You may have to work for it, but it will be worth it. Find out what works best and do it.