Learning Styles Conversation Pack available!

VET PEDAGOGY PROJECT UPDATE | Lynne Stallard, ICVET

The VET Pedagogy Project continues to build on the momentum of the previous work. Three more TAFE teachers are interviewed on accommodating learners’ needs in TAFE NSW in this Zine (see links below), and…

A new Learning Styles Conversation Starter Pack is released for use in a range of TAFE settings.

Next February, along with more interviews, a ‘thinkpiece’ will also bring to you some of the latest insights into literature on VET Pedagogy.

New 'Learning Styles' Conversation Starter Pack

We all know that people learn in different ways. Think of any group of learners. Some reach out and grab hold of information, while others sit back and observe. Some learn best by doing, whereas others like to understand first before they have a go. Some would rather learn alone, whereas others only feel comfortable in a group.

If you look on the internet, there's no shortage of so-called experts offering to help you (for a fee!) to 'scientifically' assess style preferences like these and design learning environments that match. The logic of this line of thinking is:

If only it were that simple! However, it's actually not at all simple to understand the nature of learning styles and how they're best accommodated in TAFE.

To grapple with these and related issues, ICVET has developed a new Learning Styles Conversation Starter Pack – a resource which you can download for free (see links below). The pack comprises:

a User Guide describing how you can apply and adapt the materials (Word document)

a set of Overheads, with accompanying Notes (PowerPoint document)

In developing the Pack, we've tried not to just repeat the usual clichés about learning styles. Instead, the aim has been to look freshly, basing the material on the latest research and on interviews with TAFE teachers.

As you look through materials, be aware that the views expressed are not TAFE NSW policy or even its preferred position. Instead, they represent a view based on the literature and on the experiences of a select group of TAFE teachers. Their primary purpose is to promote discussion. Some of the views expressed may be controversial, and you may not agree with them. That's fine! Our aim has been to make the materials interesting and thought-provoking, and if they stimulate reflection and discussion, they will have achieved their purpose!

Many thanks to those behind this package - the TAFE NSW teachers who agreed to be interviewed, those who worked on and produced the package, and those involved in the editorial group.

Check it out now!

Accommodating Learning Styles - Conversation Starter Pack

User Guide (220 KB)

Overheads & Notes (456 KB)

To view the overhead notes please choose the Save option as you may not see the notes in your browser if you choose the Open option.

Accommodating Learning Styles Interviews

BOOTE, Jeanne 2005, Learners with physical disabilities discover their learning needs

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | LEARNING APPROACHES

CARTER, Susan 2005, Flexibility and pastoral care for Office Admin learners

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS

COLLINS, Brigitte 2005, Catering to a range of student needs

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | BLENDED LEARNING

JONES, Alison 2005, Accommodating individual needs and inclusion

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | WORKPLACE LEARNING | ASSESSMENT

MILLIKEN, Noelene 2005, Indigenous students need whole picture learning

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | INDIGENOUS LEARNING

TROOD, Cliff 2005, The challenge of remaining flexible

TAFE NSW ICVET Accommodating Learners' Needs and Styles Project, 2005 | BLENDED LEARNING

ICVET Promoting Emerging Practice, TAFE NSW International Centre for VET Teaching and Learning

November Headlines

The Learning Powerhouse