| VARK. If you are thinking that VARK is the sound | | | | help audio learners, as audio learners often pick up a |
| made by a Czechoslovakian dog, then you were | | | | lot from the soundtrack and commentary. |
| probably half asleep during this particular part of your | | | | Visuals: Pictures, illustrations and diagrams are vital for |
| teacher education. VARK is the mnemonic used for | | | | reaching visual learners. And, of course, videos are a |
| remembering the four different learning styles. The | | | | key tool for explaining concepts to visual learners. |
| learning styles are, of course, Visual, Audio, Reading | | | | Kinaesthetics: Manipulatives (e.g. counters for math, |
| and Kinaesthetic. And each learning style needs to be | | | | Scrabble letters for spelling), hands-on activities, |
| catered to by a good teacher. | | | | drama. |
| Around the world, those who provide teacher | | | | Reading: Textbooks, etc. If you have reader |
| education are waking up to the fact that teachers | | | | (meaning those who learn by reading) in your class |
| these days have to know how to address all the | | | | and you are showing a video, don't forget to turn |
| different learning styles of their students. The days | | | | the subtitles on to help them get the maximum |
| when the teacher just stood up the front of the | | | | opportunity. |
| class talking with a piece of chalk (or a whiteboard | | | | Videos are brilliant for reaching a wide range of |
| marker) in his/her hand are over. While this | | | | learning styles - even the kinaesthetics can benefit |
| lecture-plus-chalkboard method of teaching was fine | | | | from watching a video (although you may have to let |
| for the audio learner and had some effect with the | | | | them move around and fidget a bit). And try making |
| reading learners, the visuals and the kinaesthetics | | | | your own videos - your kinaesthetics will love the |
| were left out. | | | | chance to get up and act for the camera (or figure |
| Classrooms are going to have to look different and | | | | out how to work the camcorder or webcam). |
| provide lots of different learning opportunities. This is | | | | And don't forget that videos can help you improve |
| particularly the case for classrooms where the | | | | your teaching skills. Videos and online links to teachers |
| predominant culture is more kinaesthetically-focused. | | | | demonstrating different classroom techniques are |
| Classrooms in schools in these areas often have to | | | | becoming a part of teacher education, with more and |
| have plenty of space for the kinaesthetics to move | | | | more textbooks and providers working with |
| about - and plenty of pictures for the visuals. And | | | | LessonLab to help teachers improve their skill by |
| the teaching may not even stay inside the classroom. | | | | watching real lessons taught using new techniques in |
| Teacher education for those wanting to work in | | | | real classes. |
| these areas often provides the necessary tools for | | | | For techniques using school videos and educational |
| this type of teaching. | | | | DVDs to help enhance your lessons and some |
| What are some tools for catering to the different | | | | important information on why using videos helps your |
| learning styles? | | | | different learners watch this free video and download |
| Audio: As well as using the traditional teacher-talk, | | | | the free Expert Guide to "The 7 Mistakes Teachers |
| you can also try using songs and rhymes. Videos also | | | | Make Using Video in the Classroom". |