Adapting to Different Teaching Styles in College

marybabysteps — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:19:06 -0400

Do you have a professor whose teaching methods drive you crazy? Does she go too fast? Does he talk in jargon you can't understand? What can you do to change this professor, to improve their teaching? Chances are, you can't change the instructor or his way of teaching. Just as there are many different learning styles, all instructors teach differently. That can be hard for both adult and traditional-aged students to deal with. What you can change is the way you adapt to different teaching styles. Here are some examples.

If your professor is extremely organized...

This instructor comes to class on time for every meeting, writing an outline on the board of the day's lesson. She gives key phrases like, "This is important." or "Three thins to remember are..." This is the kind of instructor everybody likes to have, right? Maybe. But maybe not, if you're not a visual or auditory learner. With this kind of teacher, hands-on learning rarely takes place, and if you need that kind of interaction to learn effectively, you may find yourself struggling.

One thing you can do to overcome the difference in teaching and learning styles is to make the lessons a bit more hands-on when you get home. Immediately review the notes, saying them outloud. This helps you to become personally involved in the material. If there are problems you can practice, do so, even if they're not assigned for homework. This activity will sink in better for you than just listening to a lecture. Perhaps you can even find videos in the library on a particular topic that will allow you to see the process in action. Another thing you can consider is working with the professor's strengths instead of against them. Get a tutor to teach you some outlining skills. Take a study skills course to learn better reading comprehension.

If your instructor is a conversationalist...

The conversationalist engages her students in discussions relating to the material. She likes to ask open-ended questions to be sure the students are on the right track and to provide them with a personal understanding of the topic. This kind of instructor expects you to come to class prepared. This usually isn't a problem for adult students, but talking out loud and expressing ideas may be hard for those who are shy.

The best advice I can give in this case is to come to class extra prepared. Have questions ready about your reading. Conversationalists love this. Be sure your questions are thoughtful and meaningful, not just something to get you off the hook with the professor. If you're insecure about talking in front of the class, try to remember that everyone else is probably nervous too. Also, keep in mind that this is your education, and you have the right to take charge of it by sharing what you know and getting all you can out of your classes.

If your professor is hands-on...

This is the instructor you want to have if you're a kinesthetic, or active, learner. This professor usually lectures for a bit at the beginning of class, then gives the students to take practice the material just learned. Often times, he'll walk around the room, observing or asking questions. This always made me nervous.

If this isn't your preferred learning style, remember the advice I gave earlier: this is your education. Try to remember that in helping to overcome your insecurities of making a mistake or being critiqued. Perhaps the best way to learn in this class really is using a hands-on approach. Just try to relax and let yourself get involved in the process. You may find it's even kind of fun!

There you have it, some examples of the kinds of professors you may encounter in college. As much as you may like it it happen, it's very unlikely that instructors will change their method of teaching to meet your personal needs, but you can make changes in your approach to learning that will help you to be more successful in all of your classes.

Never Too Late For College

Adapting to Different Teaching Styles in College