LEARNING STYLE AND FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Learning Style and Formative Assessment



Abstract

This research is aims to describe different styles of web based learning and role of formative assessment in a web based learning environment. In this research, different learning styles, their pros and cons, their effects, and impact on learners' performance have been discussed. Significance of Formative Assessment in learning accomplishment of students has been emphasized and results of formative assessment have also been analyzed in this study. And development of web based inquiry learning system has been the part of this study too.

Learning Style and Formative Assessment

Introduction

Information technology is improving day by day and opening doors for enhancement and improved learning. Web based learning is also progressively moving forward. For wide-ranging needs and requirements of students it is difficult to develop such a web based learning program that suits to all needs. Progressive learning is based from the compliance between learning settings and student requirements (Federico 2000, p. 359-379). Past studies shows that learning of students is persuaded by several factors, such as gender, socioeconomic status, and age. In current environment of learning, student dimensions such as learning characteristics (such as learning style or cognitive style), learning experiences (such as alternative mental structures, mental models, or misconceptions), and affective expression (e.g., motivation, attitude, or interest) have increasingly turn out to be the focal point in the field of scientific learning. E-learning is strongly influenced by style of learning (Ford & Chen 2000, p.281-312). Moreover, the propose approach of the learning atmosphere is also considered as very important factor that strongly affects student learning. Students can be propelled to higher level of learning by teaching strategies and activities which are personalized to individual diversity.

Literature Review

Learning Style

Style of learning plays very important role in building competencies in one's academic career (Kolb 1984, p.132-133). Different scholars acknowledge the learning style in dissimilar ways. Kolb (1976) defines learning style as distinctive learning system given by learner in the duration of learning practice and circumstances (Kolb 1976, p.51-55). According to Butler (1987) learning style displays an accepted method, which is most effective and easiest, and learner uses it to recognize the relationship between environment and self, the environment, and personal attributes. McDermott and Beitman (1984) argue that one's style of learning is the distinctive way of learning uttered in the process of learning that contains recognizable strategies for limitations encounters in learning situations, behavior of decision making, response under expectation of others, and problem solving. Entwistle (1981) and Gregorc (1979) highlighted that learning manner is student preference for particular learning techniques in a prearranged learning circumstances.

That style is the distinctive feature shown by learners during problem solving or stimulation under any learning environment (Canfield 1988, p.9). According to Kefee (1991), learning style is psychological, affective, and distinctive cognitive actions that served as comparatively steady indicators of how the student respond to, perceive, and interact with environment of learning. However, there is no such definition of learning style that can be accepted ...