How does cognitive style impact teaching and learning?

Let's consider two hypothetical teachers. Which teacher would you most want to take a class with?

Mrs. Crane

Mrs. Crane, an 11^th grade science teacher, is giving a unit on meteorology. She is a behaviorist and will rely largely on visual instructional techniques. At the beginning of the unit, she handed out a sheet of paper on which were the measurable objectives the unit would cover, the written tests and reports the students would be responsible for, and the projects they would work on. The students listen to lectures and complete worksheets. They will be tested by written tests that will demonstrate their mastery of the measurable objectives. In keeping with behaviorist theory, Mrs. Crane always commends her students on work well done and provides small rewards. Mrs. Crane's teaching style reflects her personal linguistic/logical-mathematical style.

Mr. Brady

Mr. Brady, a cognitive-behaviorist, also teaches 11^th grade science. He too will require written reports to accommodate the visual learners, with outside reading lists, but will introduce the unit with a hands-on discovery learning activity. Students are encouraged to include pictures, videotapes, paintings, magazines, articles, and artwork in their class activities. Extra credit will be given to students who bring in things.

The classroom has shelves stacked with material for students to work with. There are boxes full of modeling clay, pieces of plywood, glue, spray paint, and other materials to be used in construction projects. There is an audiotape player and a television with VCR on tables around the room. Mr. Brady's teaching style reflects his own visual-auditory-kinesthetic preferences.

Contrasting Teaching Styles

Both Mrs. Crane and Mr. Brady are excellent, well-liked teachers, yet they demonstrate vastly different teaching styles. Some students will prefer Mrs. Crane's approach, and others will be more comfortable with Mr. Brady's. Often students of specific cognitive and learning styles will find those teachers who share styles similar to their own to be "better" teachers.

Activity

Search for and try an online cognitive styles instrument. After determining your cognitive style, describe how you think it will impact your own teaching style? Be prepared to compare with your peers.

Want to know more? Check out these sites:

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/mmresearch/Students97/Hsiao/Combine.html

http://www.nwrel.org/cnorse/booklets/ccc/11.html

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/000001189.htm

http://tip.psychology.org/styles.html

http://www-writing.berkeley.edu/TESL-EJ/ej20/r7.html

http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Articles/cogstyledes/start.htm