Something that has the plagued the minds of teachers for many years is how to make sure each and every student’s talents are being cultivated and that they are taught to their strengths, while minimizing their weaknesses. It has been a staple in the psychologists, that individuals are partial to certain styles or methods of learning. Whether or not this ideal has any scientific validity has been the subject of many debates, but it is certain that people are all different and because of this, reactions to certain things vary.

There are many styles of learning, including but not limited to: visual, verbal, social, and aural. So, the question for many educators has been: How, in a room of often 20+ students, can I make sure that I cater to every student’s strengths or learning style? I set out to learn how teachers at Panther Creek have handled this problem and also whether or not students feel their teachers have found the solution.

 English teacher, Mr. Smith handles this issue by teaching in a variety of ways. “ I teach my classes in a variety of different ways to ensure that everyone is able to clearly understand the lessons. I also allow my students to demonstrate what they have learned in a variety of ways, whether it be by an essay or a PowerPoint [in order to] reinforce the ideas that they have learned.” When asked the same question, history teacher Mr. Blalock said, “ I focus on trying to give my students as many choices as possible with the assignments they choose to complete.”

Students had their own opinion on the subject. Sophomore student, Jordan George, commented, “ I think teachers do a good job of giving us choices, but some classes are better at it than others.  Andrew Raspberry, junior,  felt similarly, and said, ” Overall, they do a good job of catering to each student.”

The staff at Panther Creek puts some stock in the idea of different learning styles, regardless of the ongoing debate in the scientific community.  It is clear that the educators here at Panther Creek are eager to work together with students so that they may properly cultivate their talents, and leave this school prepared for the life ahead of them.