Matching Your Learning Style with Instructors' Teaching Syles

All students have their own personal style of learning: how they take in, process, and remember information, how they study, how they demonstrate what they've learned, and how they get along with instructors and classmates. Successful students know that matching their learning style with an instructor's teaching style is a critical factor in passing a class. They take the time to research instructors' class format and personality before they sign up for a class by asking classmates, other instructors, and OSD staff for recommendations, and by interviewing potential instructors.

How To Set Up An Instructor Interview

  1. Make an appointment to meet the instructor. You can do this by calling the instructor by telephone or speaking directly during office hours (department receptionists can help you learn about instructor office hours). Explain clearly why you wish to meet and ask for a time that is convenient.

  2. The interview is a good time to make a positive first impression with your instructor: Be on time, be courteous, dress appropriately, and have a list of questions ready.

  3. Plan ahead of time for the type of accommodations you will need during this meeting (a sign language interpreter, an aide to write notes, a tape recorder). Make the necessary arrangements with OSD.

  4. Have a good idea of your own learning style so that you are better able to discuss your needs. If you are unsure as to your situation, ask your counselor for ways to gain this insight.

Points To Cover In An Instructor Interview

  1. Course requirements: homework, research papers, oral presentations, labs, outside projects, group projects, class attendance, class participation.

  2. Tests: number, type (multiple-choice, true/false, essay, fill-in), pop quizzes, in-class or take-home, open book and notes, amount of notice given to prepare, what material is covered (text, outside readings, lecture notes, homework, labs), comprehensive final, make-up exams.

  3. Required readings: number of texts required, amount of material to be covered each class session, any outside readings in the reserve library.

  4. Class style/format: lecture, all-group discussion, small group discussion or activities, films, guest speakers.

  5. The instructor: available to students, willing to give extra credit projects, accepts late assignments, past experience with students with disabilities.

  6. Ask to see a copy of the textbook to be used. Is it well-organized and clear? Does it have a glossary, key terms at the end of each chapter, study questions, and a supplemental workbook? Is it already in an alternate media format from the publishers?

  7. Ask to see a course syllabus (an old one is fine if one is not ready for the upcoming term). Are the requirements clear? Is the reading assignment list and other due dates provided? Does it look like he has a general plan for the term or will he surprise you?

Other Helpful Tips

  1. Visit the campus bookstore and review the textbooks used for the course you’re interested in.

  2. Get permission from the instructor to visit a class session.

  3. Read student reviews of instructors at www.ratemyprofessors.com.

  4. Check instructors’ websites.