In classrooms today, students have a wide range of learning styles, but not all teachers incorporate methods that address these differences. While some students thrive with traditional lectures, others need hands-on activities or visual aids to truly grasp the concepts. Schools often prioritize one-size-fits-all teaching, leaving many students struggling to keep up. If we want to improve education, teachers should recognize and apply diverse teaching strategies that support all learners.
One of the biggest challenges in schools, including Park, is that many teachers rely heavily on lectures, verbal explanations and note-taking. While this works well for auditory learners, it leaves visual and kinesthetic learners at a disadvantage. Visual learners benefit from diagrams, charts and videos, while kinesthetic learners need movement and hands-on activities to retain information. For example, in a history class, instead of only lecturing about concepts, a teacher could incorporate primary source photographs, simulations or just more active learning as a whole. There are very few classes that have us stand up and move around, which can affect students’ level of focus during class.
There’s a huge lack of differentiation in assessment. Many teachers rely mainly on tests and essays, which may not accurately reflect a student’s understanding if they struggle with writing or test anxiety. Instead, they should offer a mix of assessment options, such as projects, presentations and creative assignments. This offers all students a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge. I’ve seen teachers do this, and it makes all the difference when you can choose the type of project you know you will be able to fully show your understanding of a topic to its full potential.
Another major factor is the classroom environment. Many students work best in quiet spaces, while others focus better with background noise or movement. Instead of enforcing a rigid structure where all students must sit silently at desks, teachers could offer flexible seating or even allow students to stand while working. A simple change like allowing students to use noise-canceling headphones during independent work time can make a huge difference for someone who prefers working in a quieter space. Many times, students aren’t able to focus in classrooms and decide to work from home for that reason. Noticing what makes students stay motivated is important to prevent this from happening.
To make these improvements more accessible, schools should provide teachers with the necessary resources and support to implement diverse teaching methods. This could include development workshops focusing on different instructions, grants for classroom materials like visual aid or hands-on learning, and flexible scheduling that allows teachers to incorporate more activities that include moving. By creating a system that prioritizes adaptability and inclusion, teachers and students can both thrive.
Ultimately, there are countless ways we can evolve to meet the needs of all students. By incorporating multiple learning styles, offering diverse assessment methods and allowing flexible classroom environments, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning experience. Schools should provide professional development on these strategies and encourage teachers to experiment with new approaches. Teachers are usually aware and will make changes, but we can always improve. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our education system should always reflect that.
