There are several different ways that students learn. Some learn by listening to lectures, looking at case studies and holding conversations with their peers. Others learn by studying articles, reviewing notes or reading text on PowerPoint presentations. There are students who soak up information by watching demonstrations, such as video clips or computer tutorials, and students who learn best when performing hands-on activities. Learning styles are affected by many factors, including family background, culture, socioeconomic level, beliefs, personal theories and principles. To accommodate all students, many teachers will vary their teaching methods throughout the course of a class or semester.
In most colleges, a majority of classes follow the same structure, emphasizing individual success, lectures and reading. However, not every student can learn in this way. Some students may learn by way of visuals, group activities and nonverbal methods. If a classroom only utilizes one way of teaching, some students will fall behind. While many college educators feel that once students reach an undergraduate level they should be independent learners, this is too narrow a view on teaching and learning methods.
Some schools feel that all students should gain the same knowledge in the areas of science, math, engineering and technology. In the past, schools had “weeded out” students who weren’t as strong as others in those particular areas. However, as society becomes more technologically advanced, it’s important for graduates to be well-versed in the different areas of technology. By using a variety of teaching styles, teachers can reach every student, even those who struggle at first with scientific and mathematical concepts.
Student diversity includes handling religious and cultural observances. There are times when students may need to miss a class in order to follow a personal practice. While teachers cannot sacrifice their own academic needs and standards to accommodate a small population of students who aren’t attending class, educators are expected to strike a harmonious balance between the two. If a student must miss a class, teachers are expected to accommodate the student by assigning them work that will make up for the instruction that they missed.