People learn all kinds of things in different ways, so it stands to reason that they will learn science, math, and technology differently too. As you guide the development of better SMT programs, be sure to take learning styles into account. Ensure that teachers are familiar with the best research on the subject and that they are given the flexibility to account for the different cognitive strengths of their students. Doing so will also help teachers present material more effectively across gender, ethnic, and socio-economic boundaries by recognizing that students come to school with different backgrounds and experiences.

Always, the first priority should be to set ambitious yet attainable academic standards. Accounting for learning styles should be a means for achieving these standards, not a replacement for them.

• How do learning styles impact how students learn science, mathematics, and technology?
• Do learning styles differ across the disciplines?
• How can districts be more accommodating to different learning styles?
• How have other local school boards dealt with learning style issues?
• How can I get my board talking about this?
  

How do learning styles impact how students learn science, mathematics, and technology?

• Rita Barger demonstrates how left-brained and right brained students develop different learning styles. [VIDEO]
•  An article from Science addressing how abstract examples influence learning math.  Summary | Full Text
• An introduction to learning styles and how they can inform curriculum, instruction and assessment. 
• A new report from The National Academies describes how informal learning about science contributes to people's knowledge and interest in science.
• A study published in the International Journal of Science Education suggests that, contrary to current trends, self-structured learning (also known as self-led inquiry) does not meet the needs of all students, particularly those who are lower achieving.
• Do learning styles differ across the disciplines?

• Alison Kadlec describes how math and science students differ in their learning styles. [VIDEO]

How can districts be more accommodating to different learning styles?

• An article addressing different aspects of learning styles and what teachers can do to make sure that their teaching does not favor certain styles over others. 

How have other local school boards dealt with learning style issues?

• A board member tells a success story about a superintendent’s involvement in a second-grade classroom. [VIDEO]
• A program in Minnesota that makes it possible for students, particularly those who learn best by direct experience, to take science and technical classes on a college campus, for college credit.   
• A Minnesota program that uses interactive “clicker” technology in math classes to increase student engagement.  The instant feedback also enables teachers to tailor their classes to students who may be struggling with a specific concept. 

How can I get my board or community talking about this?

• PowerPoint slides with talking points to help start a conversation about learning styles. Choose "save" to access talking points.