Global/Analytic approaches to Lesson Introductions

Many teachers, either intuitively or by design, use both global and analytic approaches when first introducing lessons. Global students learn by examining an overall result between it and all its component parts. They then analyze the end product so they can see the relationship between it and all the component parts. Analytic students often prefer learning through words and numbers rather than through anedotes, jokes, illustrations, or symbols. Analytic students are more comfortable with details, procedures, and directions. They like specific step by step instructions.

If you are global and wish to reach your analytic students, try explanations and visual reinforcements. Write key words on the chalkboard or overhead as you speak. List all assignments, directions, test dates, and specific objectives and provide one for each student. Test frequently and provide immediate feedback.

If you are analytic and wish to teach global students in ways that make it easier for them to understand, introduct the lesson with either a story, an anedote, an incident, or a joke. Relate this global introduction to the content you are teaching to draw the global student into the lesson. Avoid telling the students to many facts directly rather direct them to unravel the information themselves. Use graphing or illustrations to help map out new information. Globals tend to draw meaning from pictures, symbols, and other visual representatives. Allow for varied and creative evaluations rather than tests.

To teach both groups simultaneously, try giving global students a Team Learning with creative assignments first, then inference questions, and finally factual material. Simultaneously teach exactly the same informaiton to the analaytic studnets in the reverse order then have them do the same Team Learning. Bring both groups together and elicit answers from them. Chances are good that most students will perform better after being introduced to the information through their correct processing style.

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