4.1 (4K1C): Ability to utilize learning styles theory in supporting instructional practices.
4.2 (4K2C): Awareness of the challenges and expectations of various learning environments.
4.3 (4S1C): Ability to establish and maintain rapport with students.

Introduction

"Since I am unable to learn the way you teach, please teach me the way I can learn." (Author Unknown)

Effective instruction is dependent on many different factors. When assisting teachers with their curriculum and instruction, your effectiveness as a paraprofessional increases with careful consideration of these factors.

Factors of effective instruction include variables related to the:

• Learning characteristics of students you are teaching.
• Environment and situation in which you are teaching.
• Relationships you have with your students.

Variables relating to student learning characteristics involve each student's personal learning styles and intelligence styles. Environmental factors include classroom rules of conduct and classroom procedures. Variables related to your relationships with students involve your rapport with students and the different roles you undertake (authority, friend, etc.).

All of these factors should be examined because they play an important role in instructional content and practice.

Objectives

As you read the objectives for this unit, think about and rate your current knowledge using the following scale.

1. I do not understand this.
2. I do understand this.
3. I understand this well enough to use in my work.
4. I could teach others about it and use it in my work.

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify various types of learning styles.
• Know how to use learning styles for effective instruction.
• Learn about Multiple Intelligence Theory.
• Gain knowledge on establishing classroom rules and procedures.
• Learn how to establish and maintain rapport with students.

The Para eLink is sponsored by the Minnesota Paraprofessional Consortium, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education, located at the Institute on Community Integration in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.

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