Open Attitude on Alternative Styles of Learning

Sometimes conventional methods of engaging a child in learning don't work. It is during these moments that we have to be open-minded enough to consider alternative methods of learning. Sometimes we forget that learning can be fun and we become too rigid in the methods that we use to teach. Although most children do well with traditional methods of learning, every once in a while we are challenged to find other tools and methods to encourage and promote learning.

The Power of Observation

If you struggle with a child who has lost interest in learning, it is best to let go of the struggle and simply observe. What does the child enjoy doing? How does he usually approach enjoyable tasks? Does he or she seem to learn by watching, visual, or doing, hands on? Could it possibly be a combination of both? Once you ease up a little and allow the child to learn freestyle until you can figure out what type of learner he is, tension melts away making way for observations that yield answers.

Asking Questions

Once the tension from struggling has subsided, a lot of room is left for relaxed open-ended questions. The answers to these questions should unveil many solutions and ideas for a more personalized approach to learning. Once the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and stress-free the child may feel that his or her ideas are being considered. This often leads to a more open and cooperative learner.

Listening for Clues

Most children are vocal about their feelings regarding everything. Take the time to listen. Once you've heard what the child has to say and you understand it, use the information as a springboard for improved and personalized methods of learning. For example, if a 12-year-old expresses interest in reading a journal of dentistry, resist the urge to judge anything the child is saying. Instead, use the child's interests as a vehicle to teach as much as possible. Just listen. If you can figure out the child's attitudes and beliefs about learning, you are in a much better position to talk about them and perhaps dispel those beliefs.

An open and non-judgemental atmosphere are what a child needs when it comes to learning. Taking the time to listen and observe how the child learns, what methods are problematic, and what methods work, are all effective. Most importantly, an open attitude toward alternative styles of teaching and learning is key to nurturing a healthy educational environment.

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Learning The Numbers

Math is an important concept in life, especially if you are a student. There are basic problems to solve in elementary school, and you will work your way to harder problems in Algebra and Geometry later in high school. There are also math classes to take in college. Some assessments can help determine if your child is on the right track in class or if there needs to be additional help given. 

Assessments for younger children often involve basic numbers and whether the child recognizes them, can add and subtract them or knows how to write the numbers. Math manipulatives can be taught in a classroom setting to enhance the skills that the child learns. As children get older, the assessments are harder because the material taught is harder to understand. This is when assessments can determine whether the child needs to be moved to an advanced course or stay in a typical math class. If the child moves to an advanced course, then the work is harder, but it will often look better on a college application, especially if the class offers a college credit once completed and passed. Other assessments given at the end of the school year can determine how much of the course is retained.

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Using Charts in Teaching Your Kids

Source: beyondthegrades.blogspot.com via Race on Pinterest

The use of charts in teaching a child is an effective way to enhance the skills of the students naturally.  This way the child can see studying in a different way-an interesting approach in familiarizing the kid with the lessons he should learn.  We use charts like this in the house and paste it on one wall whenever our little boy has quarterly and midterm exams or sometimes if the lesson is not so clear to him.  As my husband is on his education degree himself he feels that Josh is adept to learning techniques like this. See for your own.

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