Business Tips: Training - Learning Styles

Each adult has their own individual style of learning. Individuals differ inthe way they organise their experiences into meanings, values and skills.This means that the trainer must take into account the varying styles of learning when preparing and delivering training.

An effective learning environment allows for different learning styles and provides a wide range of opportunities and training methods so that everyone has access to the type of program that suits them.

Learners can be divided into four main groups with different styles of learning. Many individuals will keep to one preferred style but in some situations they may use a combination.

Learning styles can be described as:

* Auditory
* Visual
* Kinaesthetic
* Combination

Visual
Visual learners need to see what is going on. You may be able to detect visual learners because they like reading, television and enjoy looking at photos, plans or cartoons. They will be attracted during training to words like "see, look, appear, picture, make clear, overview."

They will probably have strong spelling and writing skills. They may not talk much and dislike listening for too long. They may also be distracted by untidiness or movement.

You can train a visual learner better by using:

* Posters, charts and graphs.
* Visual displays.
* Booklets, brochures and handouts.

Auditory
Auditory learners learn by listening. You may be able to detect auditory learners because they love to talk, are attracted to sound and distracted by noise, prefer to hear things rather than read them.

They may read in a "talking" style, hearing the text as they go. They may appear to daydream while whilst "talking" inside their head. They may love the telephone and music.

You can train an auditory learner best by using:

* Question and answer.
* Lectures and stories.
* Audio tapes.
* Discussion pairs or groups.
* Variety in tone, rate, pitch and volume (something you should do anyway).
* Using music or slogans. (I wouldn't suggest "Take this job and shove it")

Kinaesthetic
Kinaesthetic learners learn by doing. You may be able to detect a kinaesthetic learner because they move around a lot, tap pens or shift in their seat. They may want lots of breaks, enjoy games and not really like reading. They will remember best through practice.

You can train a kinaesthetic learner best by using:

* Team activities
* Hands-on experience.
* Role plays.
* Note taking.
* Emotional discussions.

As a trainer, you should use a variety of techniques to ensure that all the participants' learning styles are catered for.

You should also consider helping participants use other styles where this would prove beneficial for them.

Mike Hitchen
Mike Hitchen Consulting