  MathFun.com
Supports
Student Learning Styles
By
Carol Marshall
Many students, including those who are seen as
"inattentive" and "unmotivated" in
school often have learning style strengths that do not
match the expectation of traditional classrooms.
Traditional classrooms expect students to learn by
looking and listening (visual and auditory learning),
in a relatively quiet environment, doing most of their
work alone. Learning activities involve lots of
worksheets and "seat work." In such
classrooms, it is the teacher who does most of the
talking. Often, there is little opportunity for
movement, until the bell rings.
Learning and the
Brain
Learning style research tells us that many such
"struggling" students can have as much
intelligence and potential as more successful
students, if the activities for learning match their
learning style strengths. Brain research
suggests that environments must be stimulating and
enriched, with many opportunities for students to
learn through experience. This is often called
tactile-kinesthetic learning. The student is
allowed to interact with the learning materials.
Centers, and learning activities with color, texture,
movement, such as puzzles, games and other
manipulatives stimulate the brain and interaction with
others makes learning fun. Such methods create
"multi-sensory" learning environments which
motivate because they match tactile-kinesthetic
learning style strengths. Students can work
either alone or in small groups, creating meaning
through experience. The match of interesting
tasks and learning strengths creates motivation for
learning.
Kaidy
Educational Products
MathFun and other Kaidy products are a perfect match
of learning strengths and instructional strategies for
tactile-kinesthetic learners. Materials are
highly visual manipulatives which allow students to
work "hands-on." Difficult concepts
are presented visually and involve "touch"
(see Basic Multi), which makes learning effective and
fun.
Quality
Education Systems highly recommends the
award-winning Kaidy Education, MathFun.com, math
products as valuable resources for teaching math
concepts in ways that motivate learners.
Carol Marshall, President
Quality Education Systems
3405 Creekbend Drive
Garland, TX 75044
qualityedsystems@earthlink.net
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