Abstract:
In this study the influence of the teaching styles of Mathematics lecturers on the learning styles of students in Mathematics is investigated Several styles of teaching are discussed. Just as every teacher is unique, every student or group of students is unique, with their own needs and expectations. One finds for example, convergers, divergers, accommodators and assimilators (according to the experiential learning model). Regarding teaching this study concentrates on Behr s teaching model, which suggests five possible teaching styles, namely the oral style, exemplary performers, visual information givers, amorphous talkers and the eclectic style. For learning the experiential learning model was used. The L.S.I. system was used to evaluate students Maths learning styles prior to their being taught Maths. After they had been taught Maths for three months, the same method of evaluation was again applied. Teachers teaching styles were coded regularly during the investigation. It is found that the teaching styles of the Mathematics lecturers influenced the learning styles of the students. Several implications for education are given, among which that of learning style directed teaching and style reconciliation are probably the most important.
