Student Learning Styles & Performance

Literature related to the problem examined is reviewed in this chapter. The findings of the literature review are presented in two major discussions, the first of which considers learning styles, while the second deals with performance evaluation (which, in a typing class, involves primarily the measurement of accuracy and speed on timed type writing tests), and feedback assessment.

Learning is the process by which an individual is able to change his or her behavior in some constructive manner (Skinner, 1953). The teaching of typing involves the development of behavioral changes, which, in turn, facilitate the development of typing skills. The three basic theories of learning are (1) trial and error, (2) conditioned response, and (3) insight.

In the trial and error approach to learningthe first of the three basic theories of learning, the individual learns by attempting different solutions to a problem until he or she discovers which one of the alternatives work best. The role of the teacher in this approach is to give the student some direction by leading her or him towards certain techniques which may assist in developing a problem solution. The trial and error approach to learning is not widely appl

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e evaluation process (West, 1969). Other authorities think that a two stage evaluation process should be applied in education (Ragsdale, 1990). The justification for a heavier reliance on a formative evaluation process is that, according to proponents of this approach, superior learning would occur. These proponents of formative evaluation contend that the summative approach to performance evaluation provides only an overall comparison of students at the end of a specified learning period, without assuring that optimal acquisition of information and skills will occur. Without challenging the contentions that superior learning will be facilitaed by the use of formative evaluation processes, it is possible, nevertheless, to state that the summative approach to evaluation may be the best approach to student performance assessment for schools attempting to develop in students those skills which may be transferred directly to the workplace. Organizations which employ a graduate from a school which proports to have developed typewriting skills in a student, as an example, will not be particularly impressed, if the school states that the student received a high evaluation because of the level of performance improvement acquired
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Homme Tosti, Styles Learning, York City, Russon Wanous, Huang Wille, Feedback Assessment, Schmidt White, Accomodators Type, , Cimbalo Brink, student performance, isolation effect, learning style, assessment feedback, skinner 1953, evaluation process, learning styles, wallace 1965, von restorff, approach learning, style tend rely, learning mode implies, learning style types, events instruction sequence, learning style tend,
Approximate Word count = 4151
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page)

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