Teacher Approaches to Learning Style Integration

Here are some suggestions for integrating a multi-sensory approach to learning:

Visually

• Use teacher prepared outlines, charts, or marker boards.
• Use audio-visual materials such as video of the individual child swimming or videos showing correct stroke mechanics by champion swimmers at the age group level specific to the target group.
• When talking to your pupils establish good eye contact, use facial expressions and hand movements to emphasize key ideas.

Auditorially

• Read directions out loud. Check for understanding by asking several students to repeat the directions in their own words.
• Conduct short discussions or mini-lectures.
• Tape record or videotape lessons and stories for future reference.
• Use pre-recorded videos and tapes.

Kinesthetic/Tactile

• Use small group activities to give individual attention to specific needs.
• The student should be able to demonstrate the necessary skills with appropriate arm and leg movements, head position, and body position on the dry land followed, by an in water demonstration.
• The teacher should be able to properly place the appropriate body part in the correct position, for the pupil, if the student is having difficulty in doing the mechanics correctly on their own. For example, the proper hand placement in the entry of a freestyle arm stroke.