Every student learns differently, and for this reason, educators believe that it is important for them to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles. John Nzayisenga, the director of Kigali Harvest School in Kigali, says this is so because it helps teachers implement strategies in daily activities, curriculum, and assessments. Why learning styles are important Nzayisenga says learning style is simply the different ways learners perceive and process information. He notes that it’s important for teachers to know their students’ learning styles because most of them have a preferred way to learn. He says that in most cases, you will find some students learn best by listening, some have to observe every step, while others have to do it to learn it, and others learn well in groups, among other learning styles. “When learning styles are embraced, it helps students understand why they look at certain things the way they do,” Nzayisenga says. He says it also helps them figure out when and how to use their learning style effectively, while incorporating other styles as well. Aminadhad Niyonshuti, an English teacher at Appaper Complex School in Kicukiro, says it’s important to understand that the learning style of every student is significant, and the only thing that is needed is how to help them. He says that although each style might have advantages and disadvantages, teachers helping their students know their learning style shouldn’t mean to limit them, but to magnify them. This, he says, can be achieved by helping and guiding students to work and learn at the same time. Besides, he says, this will also help them maximise their learning potential. Nzayisenga points out that through this, students will be able to succeed in whatever they do. “It gives learners customised techniques to score better, especially on tests and examinations. Apart from that, the student is able to learn through their own best strategies,” he says. Nzayisenga notes that when students are allowed to study using their learning styles, it helps reduce the stress, pressure and frustration of learning experiences. Meanwhile, he notes that this also expands students’ existing learning and studying strategies, thus better performance. To the learner Donald Munyeshuri, an IT teacher at Lycée de Kigali, says embracing various learning styles helps boost confidence and self-image of students. He explains that this is so because students will be comfortable and in case of any problem, it’s easy to communicate, thus better understanding. He further points out that students are skilled on how to use their wits and, it also gives them insight to their own strengths. Most importantly, Munyeshuri says it enables them to enjoy the learning process. He is of the view that when a learner understands their own learning style, in one way or another, it inspires greater curiosity and motivation for lifelong learning. Role of teachers First of all, to be able to identify different learning styles of students, Isaac Ddumba, a teacher at La Colombière School in Kigali, says it’s important for teachers to establish a good relationship with each student in their class. He says they should help students practice positive classroom behaviour. He explains that as a teacher, knowing how to listen and give positive feedback to learners is important. He says it’s through this that students will learn how to behave all the time because they are listened to as well. Ddumba goes on to add that providing opportunities for students to work together in groups is important. This is because in groups, learners express themselves better than when they work individually. “It’s in these groups that a teacher will identify the learning styles of different students. This will help when it comes to choosing the style the teacher thinks will work better for a certain learner,” he says. He adds that using a variety of ways to engage students is also important because every student will be able to engage, understand and retain as much information as possible. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
