As I'm thinking about my 15 year old son taking an online math course (geometry), it led to thoughts of how people learn best. Personally, I love online courses, having taken at least 20 throughout my undergrad and graduate degrees. It was not, however, the best learning environment for Devin.
It's tough to try to learn a new math without the benefit of interaction, as pointed out by my friend Joe. Part of the learning process is listening and asking questions, as well as answering questions for others. It is surely a benefit for Devin, though, because if you can pass online geometry then you can do algebra 2!
I began thinking about how I learn best. I think I prefer a set of basic rules, then I use that framework to solve a problem. This works great in math, which is all rules, and English, which is greatly dependent on mechanics. Not so much in history, which is maybe why I didn't like the subject as much.
How do others learn best? I'll be taking advantage of one of the many multiple intelligence surveys out there to ask my 8th graders how they feel they learn best.
