Individual Learning Style
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Spectrum of Learning Styles |
A well-known model of learning styles generally referred to as the Felder-Silverman model, presents the following categories for students in adult education.
Active <--> Reflective
The model was originally formulated by Dr. Richard M. Felder and Dr. Linda K. Silverman of North Carolina State University for use by college instructors and students in engineering and the sciences, however it is now popularly applied to a broad range of disciplines. Check the resources below to take the Felder-Silverman test. Below are some other learning styles popularly discussed in the educational blogosphere:
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Guidelines for General FeedbackGuidelines for Feedback on Spoken Errors |
In order for feedback to be effective, it must be accepted, understood, and applied by the learner. If the learner does not trust the observations of the instructor or classmates, the feedback remains unused. Establish a relationship of trust and respect by building up the learner's confidence before delivering criticism. Here are some tips for establishing credibility and competence for delivering feedback:
In 'Correction' by M.Bartram and R.Walton, these questions are presented as a guide for deciding whether or not corrective feedback is necessary for the student.
1. Does the mistake affect communication? 2. Are we concentrating on accuracy at the moment? 3. Is it really wrong? Or is it my imagination? 4. Why did the student make the mistake? 5. Is it the first time the student has spoken for a long time? 6. Could the student react badly to my correction? 7. Have they met this language point in the current lesson? 8. Is it something the students have already met? 9. Is this a mistake that several students are making? 10. Would the mistake irritate someone? 11. What time is it? 12. What day is it? 13. What's the weather like? |
Resources to explore:
Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire by Felder and Soloman
Six Types of Learners, Which One Are you?
Getting to Know You: The Importance of Establishing Relationships
Those Students Who Participate Too Much
British Council: Error Correction 1
British Council: Error Correction 2
Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire by Felder and Soloman
Six Types of Learners, Which One Are you?
Getting to Know You: The Importance of Establishing Relationships
Those Students Who Participate Too Much
British Council: Error Correction 1
British Council: Error Correction 2
References
R.M. Felder and E.R. Henriques, "Learning and Teaching Styles in Foreign and Second Language Education," Foreign Language Annals, 28(1), 21-31 (1995). Application of the F-S learning style model to language education.