Applying what I've learned

Way back when, I took a bunch of teaching methodology courses. Culture Prof at City University spent a few weeks having us think about our learning styles, past learning experiences, and how these related to our own expectations for our classrooms. One of the things we learned has really stuck with me over the years, although I've struggled with actually implementing it.

We read research that showed learning styles of the overall population compared with those of teachers. Surprisingly, the ratios weren't the same. In fact, teaching seemed to attract people with the least common overall learning preferences.

This was really reinforced for me this week. As you might guess (or might not, depending on how well you know me and in what situations we've interacted), I'm in one of those less common learning styles. I'm also an introvert (no, not shy). This leads me to have certain preferences about group work and displays of knowledge. So, I assigned my students to work in large groups (n=5) to read, analyze, then present an article. Their presentation had to teach the class about the article as well as provide the class with some participatory activity (something to involve the rest of us so the class doesn't get restless). They were told that they had 20 minutes for this presentation (in a few weeks) and that they had complete control of the class (their only restrictions being they couldn't do anything illegal or unethical). Now, this assignment is one I've been dreading. It has a combination of dangerous factors (namely group work, presentations, cross-cultural interaction, and a requirement for "creativity"). But yet, I still assigned it. What can I say, I was in need of something to fill the last three weeks of the semester and this was one on a list of suggested assignments. Plus, it meant I didn't have to grade another set of papers. Yep, so totally selfish reasons behind me assigning an assignment I would hate.

Yesterday, they had some class time to work on the assignment. And... they were engaged, excited, and working together. It was like an after school special or something. If only I was being observed! Students working together, laughing but staying on task, sharing wildly different ideas and experiences. I left them mostly alone, and occasionally there'd be a shout of Ms. LastName?! Each time, I walked over with dread, expecting to find them inconsolably cranky, fighting, or completely confused. Nope, they just wanted to know if Crazy, Creative, Cool Activity met the assignment description. Or perhaps if Nifty Technology Idea would live up to my meager expectations. I'd think to myself, seriously? You wondered if this would meet my expectations? This is FABULOUS! I managed to avoid gushing and blabbering out loud.

So, they still have another week to plan and scheme. I have another chance to check in with them about their progress and make sure we're all happy. But I think I'm finally understanding what those learning style results mean. And, I think I might be on my way to find more assignments like this one. Not that I'll abandon all the old practices- there still are students like me in class, and I think there is a lot of value in independent work, but I won't be so scared to ask them to do things I would hate- cuz, maybe, they might love it.