Teaching Styles & Learning Styles

In the last 30 or 40 years research in education has focused on teaching styles and learning styles. This research indicates that educators might be more effective if they took into account the differences in students’ learning styles. This understanding of learning styles can lead a teacher to think about different ways of teaching, to vary techniques to facilitate maximum learning for as many students as possible. Good teaching involves more than communicating the content of a discipline. Good teaching motivates students to continue learning and to teach them the skills and strategies needed for continual learning.

It is interesting to note that Benedict in his Rule already understood this concept of different learning and teaching styles. He instructs the Abbot to “so accommodate and adapt himself to each [monk’s] character and intelligence that he will not only keep the flock entrusted to his care from dwindling, but will rejoice in the increase of a good flock.”

Sr Veronica, OSB