Learning Styles in the Classroom: Approaches to Enhance Student Motivation and Learning

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A growing body of research suggests that increased learning gains can be achieved with college students when instruction is designed with learning styles in mind. In addition, several practitioners within the domains of science and engineering education have noted the importance of embedding a learning style approach within a variety of teaching strategies. Furthermore, attention to learning styles and learner diversity has been shown to increase student motivation to learn. In this interactive workshop, the research base on teaching and learning styles was outlined. Emphasis was placed on specific applications of teaching and learning styles in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education. Additional emphasis was placed on the critical role that a learning style approach can play in terms of SMET education. This workshop begins with an overview of several available learning style models and instruments. Information regarding how to choose the right assessment tool(s) for use with science, mathematics, engineering and technology students was shared. In addition, a description of some of the highlights of reported studies and programs involving learning styles in SMET education were given.