Do you discuss your children's learning styles...

[EMS83]

with co-op teachers, extra curricular instructors, or sports coaches?  Do any of those people ever ask? 

Is it weird of me not to feel like discussing that with anyone (especially if they appear to want to use the information)?

 

We were in an enrichment co-op once, but none of those teachers seemed to care about this, and it certainly never occurred to me to try to figure it out for my co-op class (they were 4, lol).  As far as I can tell, most of us in that class just tried to hit all the bases and bear in mind it was just co-op.

 

Anyway, we're just now entering the age/stage where I feel that outside formal activities are plausible for us.  And this came up in one of the activities they have been doing.  It's a one-on-one format, and I believe the question is sincere.  But...I just don't see why it matters and don't want to discuss it, and am afraid it will pigeonhole them.  If I'm pressed about it, am I reasonable to stand that ground (if so, how do I do that kindly?), or am I being overly opaque?

 

I'm sorry for the weird question.  Thanks for any responses!

[regentrude]

If my child had an actual learning disability, I could see how discussing this with outside teachers could be beneficial.

But learning styles? No. If I outsource teaching, I expect the teacher to do his job working with the student and figuring out how to best teach this student.

[HomeAgain]

I often believe learning styles is a bunch of hokey.  I believe in developmental styles, but an effective teacher will understand the age levels they are teaching and adjust material accordingly.  Course, an effective teacher already incorporates hands on, auditory, and written work into a lesson plan to reinforce at every level.

[TammyS]

I wouldn't.  I don't believe it's helpful to play to students strengths.  They need to have their weaknesses worked on and they need the challenge of adjusting themselves to the world, rather than having the world adjust to them. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I'm not even aware of what my kids' learning styles are.  So no obviously I don't discuss them! 

 

 

[EKS]

If my child had an actual learning disability, I could see how discussing this with outside teachers could be beneficial.

But learning styles? No. If I outsource teaching, I expect the teacher to do his job working with the student and figuring out how to best teach this student.

 

 I agree with this except on one point.  I do not believe that an outside teacher's job is to figure out how to teach my particular student.  I look at an outside class as an opportunity for my child to figure out how to adapt to a teacher who is not always catering to how he learns best.

Edited June 1, 2016 by EKS

[Ellie]

with co-op teachers, extra curricular instructors, or sports coaches?  Do any of those people ever ask? 

Is it weird of me not to feel like discussing that with anyone (especially if they appear to want to use the information)?

 

We were in an enrichment co-op once, but none of those teachers seemed to care about this, and it certainly never occurred to me to try to figure it out for my co-op class (they were 4, lol).  As far as I can tell, most of us in that class just tried to hit all the bases and bear in mind it was just co-op.

 

Anyway, we're just now entering the age/stage where I feel that outside formal activities are plausible for us.  And this came up in one of the activities they have been doing.  It's a one-on-one format, and I believe the question is sincere.  But...I just don't see why it matters and don't want to discuss it, and am afraid it will pigeonhole them.  If I'm pressed about it, am I reasonable to stand that ground (if so, how do I do that kindly?), or am I being overly opaque?

 

I'm sorry for the weird question.  Thanks for any responses!

 

Learning styles? No. The teachers/coaches have to do what they think is best, with the whole group in mind. It is one reason that I prefer not to have my dc involved in group learning activities until they are much older, as in 13ish.

[regentrude]

 I agree with this except on one point.  I do not believe that an outside teacher's job is to figure out how to teach my particular student.  I look at an outside class as an opportunity for my child to figure out how to adapt to a teacher who is not always catering to how he learns best.

 

It goes both ways.

I teach for a living. It's my job to teach in such a way that all my students can learn - this does not have to mean "catering" to individual styles, but being aware of different ways people learn and presenting information in a multifaceted way whenever possible that engages different senses.

And it's my students' job to learn.

[Guest]

If my child had an actual learning disability, I could see how discussing this with outside teachers could be beneficial.

But learning styles? No. If I outsource teaching, I expect the teacher to do his job working with the student and figuring out how to best teach this student.

I wait until it's obvious that either DS needs help adjusting then I will give him tips on how to overcome in this particular situation or I will talk to the teacher if it is something that will only be helped with his/her involvement.

For example, when DS first started gymnastics, I noticed that the teacher would speak while walking around or demonstrating. It was causing problems for DS, so I asked her to repeat herself while standing still/closer to DS. She was amenable and DS could finally follow what she was teaching.

[Spryte]

No. I might give DS tips on getting more from the class if he seems to need it, but I don't discuss his learning style with teachers and coaches. A diagnosed disability, I might. But learning styles are a bit fluid, and I'm not expecting the world to cater to my somewhat quirky whole to parts kid.

 

There was an odd moment once, private swim lessons. DS had taken them for years with the same instructor, and we had a different teacher one day. She was, maybe, 20. She asked if he had a learning disability because he wasn't understanding her directions. I found that horribly awkward. He had just been throughly tested - no LDs, but PG. But either way, I didn't feel it was any of her business for the space of a few lessons. We are pretty private. Similar to that, I simply don't like over-sharing. So if a teacher/coach we're going to be long-term, for years, I might be more inclined. But mostly - no.

[J-rap]

No.  I'm still not sure what their learning styles are, and they are all in their 20's now!  Of course there would be exceptions.

[happypamama]

Only when it might be of particular importance. When my fourth child went to his first day of co-op class when he was three, I introduced him to the teacher and told her that he's a lefty, because sometimes he would forget and then wonder why his scissors weren't working very well. So I figured she'd know to remind him to switch.

 

It'll be pretty obvious that one of my children is not especially an auditory learner pretty quickly. And if it's not, it means that that teacher is naturally compensating for different learning styles by providing a variety of activities and instructions. So I'll stay out.

[Ali in OR]

The one time it came up was with the girls' piano teacher and I thought it was appropriate and useful to discuss. One dd has an incredible memory and loves reading. Younger sister is visual and kinesthetic. While I have expectations that both will master the skills necessary to be successful in any classroom (learning from reading, being able to analyze, etc.), I think it's helpful to keep in mind how they ideally approach the world. As piano students, older dd had no trouble learning her music but had to work harder at bringing out dynamics, emotion, and feeling in her playing. Younger dd had more difficulty learning her pieces but when she finally learned them she naturally played them dynamically and with emotion and feeling. The teacher knew how to maximize their strengths and develop the areas that didn't come as naturally to them.

[Farrar]

If my kids had learning challenges or specific learning disabilities, I absolutely would. It would be a disservice to the teacher and the child not to.

 

I don't typically volunteer anything for my kids though. They're NT, average kids. I agree with what others are saying here about how learning styles are basically bunk. Kids are different and individual of course, but most of the classifications of learning styles or multiple intelligences or whatever has zero science behind it.

 

But if a teacher came up to say, hey, I don't think I'm serving your ds all that well or, hey, your ds is struggling, talk to me about how to help. Then I feel like it would be weird and awkward and, honestly, rude to be like, I don't discuss my child's learning styles with outsiders or that's your job to figure that out. That's not asking for some classification system or for your kid to be pigeonholed - it's saying, let's have an informal conversation, maybe if I get to know your kid's habits or how he thinks then it will help me be a better teacher or help him get more out of this class or activity.

[Farrar]

Reading these responses, if a teacher came up to you and initiated the discussion, would you really say, "Sorry, I don't discuss my children's education and learning approaches with their teachers."? I don't volunteer anything and wouldn't expect to need to talk about it barring an issue, but if a teacher asked, I'm not going to say no. It seems so rude and oddly private. If I was worried about pigeonholing a child, I might just defer a little and talk about my ds in general - he likes these things, he's excited about the class, etc. and say straight out that I wanted him to learn to be in a class and learn in different ways or that I wasn't sure what his learning styles are specifically and taking more outside classes is part of him figuring that out or learning to advocate for himself or adapt or something along those lines.

[EMS83]

Thanks for the comments so far!  They're helpful and kind of how I was leaning.

 

This is particular activity is one-on-one, and it's one they asked to do.  The only thing I've ever signed them up for without their initiation was the co-op.  I like to see personal desire and commitment before we invest time and money and involve other people and organizations in the interest.  The question came because one of them is struggling.  My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same?  I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though.  I'm working on finding that out.  but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble.  I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly.  But maybe that is unreasonable?  I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all.  I just don't see the need to know?  

[Arcadia]

The question came because one of them is struggling. My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same? I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though. I'm working on finding that out. but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble.

Both my kids learn a musical instrument and one is obviously slow while the other is slower than potential.

My slower child would actually benefit from more frequent lessons rather than less lessons.

 

So far all the teachers/instructors that has asked us wanted us to get the most value for our money. For example my DS10 learns better if the teacher face him because he gets less distracted. Teachers pick up on that and then they might be wondering if there are any other accomodations that would make lessons better for the child. For example DS10 also learns better standing, something that is not as obvious.

 

My oldest has weaker arm muscles compared to public school kids because he tires easily from writing and I let him type more than write. His friends who stayed in public school does lots more writing (physical, not composition) daily. His music teacher would expect him to have the same stamina as the similar age PS kids he teach. He is learning very fast but he could be faster and better if he has better arm strength/stamina. So from the outside, only one of mine has troubles.

 

Another example is gym. DS11 is an observer while DS10 is a daredevil. It is personality more than learning style. Knowing that DS11 is an observer means that the instructor does not need to guess if DS11 is afraid because DS11 will say so. Rather the instructor would just need to demo first. On the other hand, DS10 probably missed half the instructions because he just wants to do it, he is much better now than when he was 5.

 

I have been asked so many times how to best help my kids since DS11 was a baby and every time so far, teachers just want to be helpful.

[Ali in OR]

Thanks for the comments so far!  They're helpful and kind of how I was leaning.

 

This is particular activity is one-on-one, and it's one they asked to do.  The only thing I've ever signed them up for without their initiation was the co-op.  I like to see personal desire and commitment before we invest time and money and involve other people and organizations in the interest.  The question came because one of them is struggling.  My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same?  I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though.  I'm working on finding that out.  but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble.  I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly.  But maybe that is unreasonable?  I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all.  I just don't see the need to know?  

Your teacher is a professional who is trying to do the very best job she/he can. I don't understand NOT giving information that can help them. The teacher already knows lots of different approaches/ways to teach a certain skill--she/he is trying to get more info from you on how to best reach your kid. Why would you not want that??

Edited June 1, 2016 by Ali in OR

[ktgrok]

Thanks for the comments so far!  They're helpful and kind of how I was leaning.

 

This is particular activity is one-on-one, and it's one they asked to do.  The only thing I've ever signed them up for without their initiation was the co-op.  I like to see personal desire and commitment before we invest time and money and involve other people and organizations in the interest.  The question came because one of them is struggling.  My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same?  I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though.  I'm working on finding that out.  but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble.  I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly.  But maybe that is unreasonable?  I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all.  I just don't see the need to know?  

 

I don't get the privacy issue. They aren't asking for deep psychological issues, just a learning style preference, right? Like, Josh learns best if he does a lot of repetition, so he feels confident, but Jane likes to be challenged. Or Jack likes to watch and imitate, but Sally wants directions she can read so she has time to study them. Why on earth would that be private information, that you wouldn't want their instructor to know?

 

Teacher: "Hey, does Sally have any preferences when it comes to material? Lecture versus hands on, for instance?" 

Parent: "That's for me to know and you to find out."

 

Doesn't make sense to me. Sure, it might be "need to know" information, but wouldn't the teacher be on the list of "need to know"?

[MEmama]

Has anyone outside of homeschooling even heard of such a thing (for NT kids)? This is the only place I've ever seen it mentioned.

[MrsWeasley]

My middle child's violin teacher mentioned that she thought he was a visual learner (which is interesting to me, as he has some vision issues), but I've never been asked. 

[Farrar]

Has anyone outside of homeschooling even heard of such a thing (for NT kids)? This is the only place I've ever seen it mentioned.

 

Yes, different theories of learning styles and so forth were covered somewhat in my teacher prep education. I think most teachers are familiar with the terms.

 

I think it's important to note that it's not necessarily meant as an "official" thing - like visual-spatial is a particular category of learning styles. If I, as a teacher, asked about a kid's learning style, I would just mean what could the parent tell me about how that child typically approached learning. For example, there is no "learning style" that's kids who like to sit and think before diving in vs. kids who like to learn by doing, but if a child tends to do something one way or another, that might be useful so I could say, oh, little Timmy's mom says he tends to stare at a page for ten minutes thinking before he starts writing, so I know he's not off in space, he's processing and it's okay.

[Ali in OR]

Has anyone outside of homeschooling even heard of such a thing (for NT kids)? This is the only place I've ever seen it mentioned.

 

I got my teaching credential and masters in ed in 1989 and yes, how to design lessons for different styles of learning was part of our instruction way back then. That was the first time I had heard the term "kinesthetic learner". I still remember the lead instructor for the future social studies teachers leading an example lesson and thinking it was very cool (but that it would be harder to do in math, my specialty).

[MistyMountain]

If my kid was having trouble I would discuss why that may be and what strategies may help them. I would not say it in terms of so and so is a kinesthetic learning. I would say something like they have a hard time with this skill and that might be where the problem is coming in but this skill they are really good at. I have tried this and this and this was the outcome what do you think would help them learn this skill they are weak in so this could be more succcessful for them.

Edited June 1, 2016 by MistyMountain

[Tap]

If a teacher asks, sure I would tell them!!!  If the parent knows the answer, then I can not figure out why you would hide it from a teacher?  

 

I do tell academic teachers that dd17 is dyslexic ahead of time and explain what that means for her. She will be an A student, but she will misspell common words, and takes twice as long to read/write than other students.  Teachers often see the discrepancy between a gifted aptitude, and late work with misspellings, and interpret it as the student not caring about quality.  I let them know ahead of time that if they give her a chance to correct errors and not push for items to be turned in at the end of class, that she will excel.  Almost every one of her teachers has appreciated that information and often tell me that she is one of their favorite, and high achieving students....she just needs a bit of grace 

 

Most teachers use auditory and visual teaching methods.  A few reach beyond that.  My daughter will have much better retention if the teacher uses visuals to explain the issue.   If the teacher predominately uses verbal explanations, they will have to answer a lot more questions from dd, for her to understand the material.  She can learn both ways, it is just that one way is faster and easier on both the teacher and student.

 

DD17 went to a private school that is based on learning styles.  Every subject was taught in every learning modallity.  In the years that she attended there, she never came home and said " I don't understand xyz" .  She is heavily visual and kinestetic.  She is weakest in auditory.   Due to her school emphasizing each persons individual strengths/weaknesses, she knows how to maximize her own learning.  If she has a teacher who lectures without visuals, she makes sure to pre-read for the class and take her own notes from the material and leaves space to add class notes to her reading notes.  In subjects that she really wants to master, she will pick teachers that do more hands on learning, projects and uses a good text book.  

 

Even in high school, when her teacher asked her to join an engineering class, she asked to see the curriculum before she committed.  LOL   She wanted to make sure that it was not lecture based, and that she could read for understanding on her own, without the teachers explanations.  

 

 

[mamiof5]

No. No idea what their learning styles are. Besides, live fluctuates so much... I'm never sold in the whole styles concept

[SparklyUnicorn]

Reading these responses, if a teacher came up to you and initiated the discussion, would you really say, "Sorry, I don't discuss my children's education and learning approaches with their teachers."? I don't volunteer anything and wouldn't expect to need to talk about it barring an issue, but if a teacher asked, I'm not going to say no. It seems so rude and oddly private. If I was worried about pigeonholing a child, I might just defer a little and talk about my ds in general - he likes these things, he's excited about the class, etc. and say straight out that I wanted him to learn to be in a class and learn in different ways or that I wasn't sure what his learning styles are specifically and taking more outside classes is part of him figuring that out or learning to advocate for himself or adapt or something along those lines.

 

Absolutely. 

 

:lol:

[SparklyUnicorn]

Has anyone outside of homeschooling even heard of such a thing (for NT kids)? This is the only place I've ever seen it mentioned.

 

A little bit. 

 

If there is such a thing, or rather if it is as important as some say it is, I imagine as homeschoolers we are probably addressing it without thinking about the theory behind it.  I do sometimes switch up how I do things if I think it'll work better. 

[Tap]

Has anyone outside of homeschooling even heard of such a thing (for NT kids)? This is the only place I've ever seen it mentioned.

Yes,  My daughter attended a school that was based on it.  LOL  

 

I have also filled out paper work for many, many teachers over the years that ask the same question in various ways.

 

It isn't a foreign idea at all in our area. 

[kitten18]

Thanks for the comments so far! They're helpful and kind of how I was leaning.

 

This is particular activity is one-on-one, and it's one they asked to do. The only thing I've ever signed them up for without their initiation was the co-op. I like to see personal desire and commitment before we invest time and money and involve other people and organizations in the interest. The question came because one of them is struggling. My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same? I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though. I'm working on finding that out. but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble. I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly. But maybe that is unreasonable? I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all. I just don't see the need to know?

I seriously just cannot comprehend this.

 

The teacher is trying to find the best way to teach your child.

[hornblower]

Your teacher is a professional who is trying to do the very best job she/he can. I don't understand NOT giving information that can help them. The teacher already knows lots of different approaches/ways to teach a certain skill--she/he is trying to get more info from you on how to best reach your kid. Why would you not want that??

 

:iagree:

This. 

 

If you think you know, why wouldn't you say? It's not a boundary thing at all. For one thing, the teacher will eventually probably figure it out & all you've done is waste everyone's time.  Either you trust this adult to have your child in their care & instruct them or you don't. 

[hornblower]

& whether you think the theory is all bunk or not, the fact that a teacher is taking a personal interest & is willing to tailor and individualize instruction in order to help a student meet their full potential is a good thing imo 

[regentrude]

The question came because one of them is struggling.  My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same?  I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though.  I'm working on finding that out.  but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble.  I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly.  But maybe that is unreasonable?  I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all.  I just don't see the need to know?  

 

The bolded changes the situation. If a student is struggling, it makes sense for the teacher to ask the parent for any additional information that could help the student progress at a normal pace. (Although an experienced teacher should be able to figure this out by himself).

I cannot see why you would not give the teacher additional information and instead respond by taking fewer lessons - that makes no sense to me if the student already struggles; if anything, wouldn't he need more lessons?

[Tsuga]

The school asks. I answer in general terms. "She is active and empathetic and puts a lot into friendships."

[EMS83]

This isn't a requisite class, subject, or activity.  The instructor is experienced, but not a professional.  This is an extra curricular that is of casual interest to them.  If it were, say, math, I'd feel differently.  But this is the difference between a rec league and competitive league (though it's not a sport).  They're in rec mode.  I think the instructor might feel more seriously.  

 

I do personally feel like learning styles are a fine guideline, or one tool of many, but shouldn't be honed in on and all else excluded.  Sometimes it's not a learning issue, kwim?  This particular child requires lots of patience and a very slow pace.  That has already been communicated, though.

Edited June 1, 2016 by CES2005

[regentrude]

No. The whole point about learning styles is it's good to have a fit between content and modality, not student and modality.

 

Here's the cognitive science perspective:

 

What cognitive science has taught us is that children do differ in their abilities with different modalities, but teaching the child in his best modality doesn't affect his educational achievement.

 

 

I hear things like this frequently, but I know for example that I cannot retain information that is presented to me only in an auditory way - like a person saying his new upon introduction - whereas I have a fantastic memory for names as soon as I can see them in print, like on a name tag or a class list.

So, if I were taught by audio lectures only, my learning outcomes would be far worse than if I had the opportunity to see the contents in writing - irrespective of subject. So I don't understand the underlined at all.

 

The take away for teachers was that they should consider what style best suited the material they were presenting. Besides anything else, a teacher in a group situation cannot possibly ensure that a class is oriented to everyone's learning preferences. 

 

But the standard wisdom is to present information, whenever possible, in different formats and not just in visual or just in auditory form, for best retention.

Edited June 1, 2016 by regentrude

[SparklyUnicorn]

Yeah the only way I can handle audio books is by following the text as it is being read.  If I have to retain info, it's best to take notes and/or doodle as I'm listening. 

 

My absolute least favorite format in school was watching videos.  I would understand what was going on, but forget about asking me to remember names or any other details.

 

 

[TechWife]

Thanks for the comments so far! They're helpful and kind of how I was leaning.

 

This is particular activity is one-on-one, and it's one they asked to do. The only thing I've ever signed them up for without their initiation was the co-op. I like to see personal desire and commitment before we invest time and money and involve other people and organizations in the interest. The question came because one of them is struggling. My solution is to slow that one down/make lessons more infrequent, the instructor's solution I guess is to try to cater to their strongest learning style so the pace can stay the same? I'm not completely clear what the reason for asking is, though. I'm working on finding that out. but the question is directed to both kids, even though only one is actually having trouble. I'm inclined to dig my heels in, boundary-wise, honestly. But maybe that is unreasonable? I intend to be nice; I'm not angry or sassy-feeling at all. I just don't see the need to know?

It's the teacher's prerogative to set the pace for a course. If she's interested in adjusting her teaching style to teach your particular child more effectively, that's great. She isn't obligated to do that, though. She also isn't obligated to adjust the pace or frequency of classes, lessons or to provide additional tutoring (with or without additional compensation).

 

Often the best response when asked a question you think might be crossing a boundary line is: "Why do you ask?" The answer to this question will give you more information on how to proceed with any disclosure that might be needed.

 

ETA: Adjusting the pacing of a class impacts the content of the class. Either less content has to be covered or the same amount of content is covered over an extended period of time. This extended period of time directly relates to the ability to master topics for some students, while it bores other students to tears. There are times when being able to master material at a rapid rate is extremely important for building decision making skills in many careers. Likewise, there is often so much material that has to be covered, that slowing down is simply not an option.

Edited June 1, 2016 by TechWife

[kitten18]

This isn't a requisite class, subject, or activity. The instructor is experienced, but not a professional. This is an extra curricular that is of casual interest to them. If it were, say, math, I'd feel differently. But this is the difference between a rec league and competitive league (though it's not a sport). They're in rec mode. I think the instructor might feel more seriously.

 

I do personally feel like learning styles are a fine guideline, or one tool of many, but shouldn't be honed in on and all else excluded. Sometimes it's not a learning issue, kwim? This particular child requires lots of patience and a very slow pace. That has already been communicated, though.

IME private classes are expensive.

 

It would seem to me to be a waste of time and money to not work with the teacher.

[hornblower]

 

ETA: Adjusting the pacing of a class impacts the content of the class. Either less content has to be covered or the same amount of content is covered over an extended period of time. This extended period of time directly relates to the ability to master topics for some students, while it bores other students to tears. There are times when being able to master material at a rapid rate is extremely important for building decision making skills in many careers. Likewise, there is often so much material that has to be covered, that slowing down is simply not an option.

 

but this is a one- on - one class.....

[Tap]

 lol, the standard wisdom is kinda crap. 

 

Obviously, a good teacher will mix modalities where it doesn't interfere with the content being taught, if only to keep student engagement flowing. 

 

You are probably just used to your visual preferences being catered to. We live in a visual society, it's no wonder you work best with print. I do too. It doesn't mean I have a visual learning style. 

Ummmm....Learning styles are just that.....a Preferred way of learning.  Someones learning style isn't that they clinically can't learn something a certain way.....it is just that they prefer to learn, or find it easiest to learn in a certain way.  

 

Clinical deficits are called learning disabilities and carry a diagnosis from a doctor or specialist in their field

 

My oldest daughter doesn't learn as fast through auditory methods, but can learn that way if she has to. She is dyslexic though, so her written interpretation my be different than what she heard (proper names and some words will be written wrong).  Due to this, her preferred learning style is visual, so that she can see things like names written down, and learn them correctly the first time.  There are lots of other ways dyslexia affects her audiotory learning as well, like mixing up verbal instructions like "turn Left at the first traffic light."  Or "Drive 2 miles down MLK Ave" (she may hear Milk ave, instead of translate it into Martin Luther King Ave".   If you draw her a map, verbal cues like left and right are no longer and issue, and MLK is clearly an abbreviation and not the street name Milk. 

 

My youngest daughter has Auditory Processing Disorder (diagnosed by an audiologist) and has a confirmed learning disorder due to it.  

 

There are going to be a range of people in between them.  Testing for my youngest, was done by a questionnaire filled out by me, therapists observations on tests and by an audiologist.  There is a threshold at which she was diagnosed, but it wasn't a hard and fast line.  It was an interpretation by the person diagnosing her.  

[Farrar]

This isn't a requisite class, subject, or activity.  The instructor is experienced, but not a professional.  This is an extra curricular that is of casual interest to them.  If it were, say, math, I'd feel differently.  But this is the difference between a rec league and competitive league (though it's not a sport).  They're in rec mode.  I think the instructor might feel more seriously.  

 

I do personally feel like learning styles are a fine guideline, or one tool of many, but shouldn't be honed in on and all else excluded.  Sometimes it's not a learning issue, kwim?  This particular child requires lots of patience and a very slow pace.  That has already been communicated, though.

 

Are you sure this teacher is asking for a specific thing - like, please classify if this child is visual spatial, kinesthetic, etc. etc. in their learning style? They're not just saying, hey, talk to me about how this child learns?

 

I honestly don't know why the level of experience of the teacher or the level of the class makes such a difference. You're paying for it, one kid is struggling, the teacher wants to make it work better... why the secrecy attitude?

 

Or, maybe I'm misunderstanding. If the teacher is very specifically trying to hone in on learning styles, then why not just say, oh, kid seems sort of this and that but I want to be sure you're not over focusing on that. Here are some other thoughts about how kid learns. And let me remind you about kid's slow pace, etc. etc.

 

I guess it just seems like you're approaching what should be a collaborative conversation about how someone you hired can better serve your family into a confrontation with lots of boundary lines.

[EMS83]

Are you sure this teacher is asking for a specific thing - like, please classify if this child is visual spatial, kinesthetic, etc. etc. in their learning style? They're not just saying, hey, talk to me about how this child learns?

 

I honestly don't know why the level of experience of the teacher or the level of the class makes such a difference. You're paying for it, one kid is struggling, the teacher wants to make it work better... why the secrecy attitude?

 

Or, maybe I'm misunderstanding. If the teacher is very specifically trying to hone in on learning styles, then why not just say, oh, kid seems sort of this and that but I want to be sure you're not over focusing on that. Here are some other thoughts about how kid learns. And let me remind you about kid's slow pace, etc. etc.

 

I guess it just seems like you're approaching what should be a collaborative conversation about how someone you hired can better serve your family into a confrontation with lots of boundary lines.

 

I never said I paid for this.  I only said they were instructing my children.  It's complicated, but that shouldn't affect whether or not I'm approaching things rationally, cooperatively, and kindly, in line with what my kids need, want, and are willing to do.

 

Yes, it was very specifically limited to the three main learning styles and had I had them assessed?  We have already had discussions over how to help the struggler and I have tried many things here and I assume they have tried many things on their end.  I know in general terms, but not specifics.  But you know how some kids want to be an MLB player and some kids just want to toss the ball around?  With this activity, this kid just wants to "toss the ball around."  So I think learning styles is a moot point here.

 

I'll put what I bolded in my pocket; it's a good honest and casual response (wish I'd thought of it!).  I'm really not trying to shut the discussion down from the get-go, I just want us all to be on the same page and not trying to hurry a child along on an endeavor they aren't personally hyper-committed to.  But not having had my kids in much in the way of formal activities, I have no idea what is "typical" when it comes to instructors of said activities.  Or if typical goes out the window because it's already a complicated situation (can't elaborate, I'm sorry).

 

I appreciate everyone's honesty so far!  More responses are welcome, too, of course.

[regentrude]

 You are probably just used to your visual preferences being catered to. We live in a visual society, it's no wonder you work best with print. I do too. It doesn't mean I have a visual learning style. 

 

There are plenty of situations where information is presented in an auditory manner: on the radio, in conversations, in lectures, in music. There are people who can retain information wonderfully from those ways of presentation (one of my children is great at retaining information from audio lectures) and people who cannot. As a musician, I know people who learn their music from listening and others who visualize the sheet music in their minds if they perform by rote - these are definitely different styles of learning, and I do not think "we live in a visual society" is the explanation. Auditory information is as prevalent as visual one, because people talk.

Edited June 2, 2016 by regentrude

[TechWife]

but this is a one- on - one class.....

The pacing of the course still affects the content. Unless a customized schedule was agreed upon in advance, then whether or not to adjust the pace is still the instructors prerogative.

[poppy]

This is such an odd question. I truly do not understand the hesitation.

 

If you do not trust this person, don't let them teach your child 1:1. 

[SounderChick]

I've had many a conversation about my children's learning style.  Usually it has been the coach/teacher telling me they had made changes because they noticed how visual they are.  When it has been asked I have answered it helps the coach and the kids and I don't think its private.  

[EMS83]

The pacing of the course still affects the content. Unless a customized schedule was agreed upon in advance, then whether or not to adjust the pace is still the instructors prerogative.

 

It's not a course like you're thinking.  And not much was agreed upon in advance.  But essentially you're saying, either cooperate with the instructor or pull the kid out?

[TechWife]

It's not a course like you're thinking. And not much was agreed upon in advance. But essentially you're saying, either cooperate with the instructor or pull the kid out?

I think that you need to make the best decision for your child. The instructor has reached out to you with a question, which seems to have offended you. Perhaps there is backstory you aren't free to share, and that's fine. If you are unable to cooperate with the instructor, how will you expect your child to cooperate with the instructor? I am assuming here that the instructor isn't engaging in bullying or other unhealthy behaviors. That would be an entirely different conversation and my recommendation there would be to pull the child immediately.

 

The fact remains, though, that the instructor is in charge during the teaching period and if homework/practice time is involved, they determine the content there as well. If you aren't comfortable with that, then yes, you need to pull your child out.