Embracing the Art of Adaptable Teaching: Meeting Diverse Learning Preferences

Teaching isn't just about the subject; it's about connecting with students and understanding their diverse learning preferences. If you’re an adjunct professor, you might be on a journey and have questions about exploring the art of adaptable teaching.

One question that might be on your mind is, "How do you adapt your teaching style to different learning preferences?" It's a skill seasoned educators have mastered.

Answer: Meeting the needs.

Adaptable teaching involves recognizing that no two students learn in exactly the same way. It's about being flexible, using various approaches, and creating a classroom where every student can thrive.

The Journey of Adaptable Teaching

As a new adjunct professor, the classroom can feel like uncharted territory. You've prepared your curriculum, you're passionate about your subject, but now you're faced with a diverse group of learners, each with their unique needs and preferences. How can you ensure that your teaching style resonates with everyone in your class?

??♂? Embracing Adaptability: The Core of Adaptable Teaching

Adaptable teaching is like juggling, where each student represents a different ball, and your goal is to keep them all in the air. It's about understanding that no single teaching approach fits all. Instead, it's a dynamic process of observing, adjusting, and connecting with your students.

?? Meeting Diverse Learning Preferences: The Heart of Adaptability

The heart of adaptable teaching lies in recognizing and addressing diverse learning preferences. It's the art of acknowledging that students come to your class with distinct backgrounds, experiences, and ways of grasping information. By understanding these variations, you can tailor your teaching to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

?? Creating a Multifaceted Classroom: Strategies for Success

• Visual Learners: Visual learners prefer seeing information. Incorporate visual aids like diagrams, charts, and presentations to enhance their learning experience. Highlight key points and use color coding to make information more accessible.
• Auditory Learners: For students who learn best through listening, consider recording your lectures or providing audio summaries. Encourage discussion and group activities that involve verbal communication. Podcasts or guest speakers can also be engaging.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners thrive through hands-on experiences. Incorporate interactive activities, experiments, or simulations into your lessons. Encourage physical involvement, like role-playing or field trips, to help them grasp concepts.
• Reading/Writing Learners: These students excel in written communication. Provide reading materials, assignments, and essays to cater to their preferences. Encourage journaling, note-taking, and reflective writing to enhance their understanding.
• Social Learners: Social learners thrive in group settings. Facilitate group discussions, debates, or collaborative projects. Create a classroom culture that promotes peer learning and interaction.
• Solitary Learners: On the other hand, solitary learners prefer independent study. Encourage self-directed projects, research, and opportunities for individual exploration.

?? Tips for New Adjunct Professors: Taking the First Steps

• Listen Actively: Start by actively listening to your students. What are their learning preferences? What excites them about the subject? Understanding their expectations is the first step in adapting your teaching style.
• Embrace Iteration: Be open to adjusting your teaching methods as you go. It's okay to experiment with different approaches and see what resonates with your students. Flexibility is a valuable skill in education.
• Use Technology: Embrace technology as a tool for adaptable teaching. Online platforms, multimedia presentations, and interactive apps can provide diverse learning experiences. My favorite tools include Mentimeter, Prezi Video, and Mmhmm App.
• Create a Welcoming Environment: Build a classroom where students feel comfortable expressing their preferences and needs. Encourage them to communicate their learning style.

In education, adaptability is the key to unlocking the potential in every student. As a new adjunct professor, you have the opportunity to embrace adaptable teaching and create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Your insights, experiences, and innovative approaches can inspire not only your students but also your fellow educators.?

?? Seeking Insights from Experienced Educators

To the experienced educators out there, your insights are invaluable. How do you cater to different learning preferences in your classes? Perhaps you've discovered innovative strategies, memorable moments, or unique approaches that have worked wonders in your teaching journey. So share your tips, strategies, and memorable experiences to enrich the world of education. Together, we can shape the future of teaching and learning!

Join our community!

Our mission is to empower adjunct professors through a supportive and nurturing community that conquers academia's challenges, cultivates professional growth, builds confidence, fosters meaningful connections, and promotes teaching excellence through transformative mentorship and collective support. Join us on this dynamic journey of continuous learning and self-discovery in the world of education.

Some further reading about learning styles:

• How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens (2015) by Benedict Carey
• The Inclusive Classroom: A new approach to differentiation (2021) by Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston
• Design for How People Learn (2015) by Julie Dirksen

Yours,

Nicole Cacal

Adjunct Professor at the Parsons School of Design

Visiting Associate Professor at the Pratt Institute