Article 06 - Identify Your Learning Style.
Identify Your Learning Style.
While the goal of each training session
varies, the ultimate goal is the same - increase the employee’s knowledge so
they may better accomplish their job. To do so, a company must build its
learning content to match the various styles of learning, which varies from
generation to generation, as well as personal tastes. It is important that the
trainer can assess and identify these styles to implement appropriate employee training
processes, with strategies that work better for each learning style, as well as
ones to avoid.
Let’s start by assessing the most common
learning styles and then take a look at the blended learning models that can be
used to reach employees with particular learning behaviors.
According to Riener and Willinghan (2009)
Different students have different modes of learning, and their learning could
be improved by matching one’s teaching with that preferred learning mode. The
way theorists have defined “modes of learning” has changed over the more than
50 years that this concept has been in vogue.
A learning style is not in itself an
ability but rather a preferred way of using one’s abilities Sternberg (1994).
Individuals have different learning
styles, that is, they differ in their ‘natural, habitual, and preferred way(s)
of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information and skills’ Reid (1995)
Moreover, although individuals may have
some strong style preferences and tendencies, learning styles are not fixed
modes of behavior, and, based on different situations and tasks, styles can be
extended and modified (Reid 1987; Oxford 2011). However, the extent to which
individuals can extend or shift their styles to suit a particular situation
varies (Ehrman 1996).
1.
Visual (Spatial) Learners
Traits of Visual Learners
- They are usually
creative in their thinking and approach to problem-solving
- They tend to be
impatient
- They may frequently
interrupt
- They talk fast and enjoy
verbal communication
- They describe things in
a manner that evokes visual images
Strategies for Training Visual Learners
Approximately 65% of all people are visual learners. Social media sharing trends have shown us that most people value content that is rich in graphics or videos to express even the simplest message. Therefore, it is important to include these in your company’s learning content. E-learning environments are perfect for including this method of instruction as displaying a picture is often easier than creating lengthy swaths of texts to convey the same information.
According to Raiyn's (2016) research results, visual learning also helps students develop visual thinking, which is a learning style whereby the learner better understands and retains information by associating ideas, words, and concepts with images.
2.
Auditory (Aural) Learners
Traits of Auditory Learners
- Tendency to speak slowly
- They are natural and
patient listeners
- They are linear in their thinking and approach to problem-solving
Strategies for Training Auditory Learners
About 30% of people are auditory learners. Surprisingly, they
retain about 75% of information when consumed in an auditory format,
like a lecture or podcast. Using tools like group discussions will be highly
beneficial for this group.
Auditory learning style enables
auditory learners to learn best by hearing or through verbal communication.
Auditory learners are good at remembering what they hear as they learn
information through auditory representation. Auditory components such as tone,
pitch, and loudness are all important to these learners Kayalar (2017).
3. Kinesthetic (Physical) Learners
Traits of Kinesthetic Learners
- They talk slowly
- They are methodical in their
thinking and approach to problem-solving
- They are contemplative and take time
making most decisions
- They engage their senses when
solving problems
- They value practical knowledge over
theoretical concepts
Strategies for Training Kinesthetic
Learners
Tactile or kinesthetic learners need to
put their hands to something in order to most effectively learn. However, they
can learn by watching others perform as well as through interaction with the
computer. They need to put all the lessons into practice as soon as possible,
though, to complete the learning process. These types of learners provide the
biggest challenge for the most e-learning environments. One strategy is to
provide instruction time, followed by a lab where the new skill can be
demonstrated and practiced. Interactive computer programs should be utilized to
keep the kinesthetic learner engaged.
Kinesthetic
Learning is an effective method that has remarkable results on students'
understanding in the literature. This teaching strategy involves students with
the physical activities to understand the subject Gashgari (2017).
4. Read/Write Learners
Traits of Read/Write Learners
- They prefer text-based communication
- They enjoy reading
- They express their ideas more easily
in writing
- They respond to infographics and
diagrams
- They are list makers and note takers
- They problem solve by “writing
through it”
Strategies for Training Read-write
Learners
The best strategy for reaching this group
of learners is to provide well-written engaging learning content. Graphics,
videos, and diagrams should be captioned and described. Encourage note taking.
Computer testing modules should, in addition to, multiple choice distractors,
also provide long form input. This allows the learner to express their answers
or the reason for their answer in writing, which helps greatly with retention.
Effective
writing is a skill that is grounded in the cognitive domain. It involves
learning, comprehension, application and synthesis of new knowledge. From a
faculty member’s perspective, writing well entails more than adhering to
writing conventions. Writing also encompasses creative inspiration,
problem-solving, reflection and revision that results in a completed manuscript
Dafazio et el (2010).
Blended Learning Models
Learning requirements and
preferences of each learner vary, as well, they can be mixed. One may better
learn some subjects visually while other subjects kinesthetically. For this
reason, organizations should attempt a blend of training approaches in their eLearning
strategies. Blended learning will combine multiple types of media designed in
ways that complement each other and promote retention for each learning
behavior. Infographics are an excellent tool to incorporate the various
teaching modalities needed to reach learners of all types. Video and sound
clips can be embedded, and a mixture of text and graphics is used to explain
and show a concept. Blended learning can also include a variety of learning
activities in a number of environments including physical classroom training,
guided e-learning, self-paced e-learning and hands-on practicum.
While no two people learn in
the exact same way, most of us share traits that place us in one or more of the
four groups discussed. A company seeking to build their learning content around
the styles of learning may also consider a more inclusive blended approach
utilizing the various learning style strategies.
Knowledge Anywhere can
help your company develop a training and eLearning solutions that meet the
needs of all your employees regardless of the style in which they learn.
Overall, blended learning is an
effective way of teaching that is flexible and easy to access. Moreover, it can
increase students’ motivation and their achievement of the course. The quality of the blended course can be enhanced by combining the
advantages of both online and in-person learning Avazmatova (2020).
List of Reference.
Avazmatova, M (2020) Significance Of Blended Learning In Education System, Significance_Of_Blended_Learning_In_Education_System,
02(08), [Online] Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343970415_Significance_Of_Blended_Learning_In_Education_System#:~:text=Overall%2C%20blended%20learning%20is%20an,their%20achievement%20of%20the%20course
Accessed on 14th August 2023.
Defazio, J., Jones, J., Tennant, F.,
and Hook, S, A., (2010) Academic literacy: The importance and impact of writing
across the curriculum – a case study, Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching
and Learning, 10(02). PP.34-47 [Online] Available at https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ890711.pdf
Accessed on 14 August 2023.
Ehrman, M.
(1996) Understanding Second Language Learning Difficulties. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage.
Raiya, J
(2016) The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Students High-Order Thinking
Skills, Journal of Education and Practice, 7(24), [online] . Avaiable at
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1112894.pdf
Accessed on 14th August 2023.
Reid, J. (1987)
‘The learning style preferences of ESL students’. TESOL Quarterly 21/1: 87–110.
Reid, J. (1995)
Learning Styles in the ESL/ EFL Classroom. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle.
Riener, C
and Willinghan, D (2009) THE MYTH OF LEARNING STYLES[online]. Available at https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/b/10091/files/2012/03/Reiner-and-Willingham_2010.pdf
. Accessed on 14th August
2023.
Sternberg,
R. ( 1994) ‘Allowing for thinking styles’. Educational Leadership 52/3: 36–40.
Hi Good article. This informative article emphasizes the importance of identifying different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write, in employee training. It highlights strategies for each style and introduces blended learning as a versatile approach. Tailoring content to individual preferences enhances engagement and knowledge retention, benefiting both employees and organizations.
ReplyDeleteRecognising various learning styles like visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write holds significance both personally and within organizations. By understanding these preferences, individuals can optimise their learning approaches, resulting in improved comprehension and retention. In organisational settings, tailored training and communication based on these styles can enhance employee learning and performance, fostering a more efficient and adaptable workforce. Further, though many researchers agree that coupling instruction with learning styles can tremendously increase the effectiveness and efficiency of learning, however, individual learning styles cannot be extracted by a simple interview, but by specially designed psychological tests (Brusilovsky, 2001)
DeleteHi Nuwan
ReplyDeleteBlended learning is a flexible and accessible teaching approach that combines online and in-person learning methods. It increases student motivation and course achievement by allowing students to engage with content in various formats. Blended learning enhances the quality of courses by combining the interactive and collaborative elements of in-person sessions with the convenience and self-paced nature of online components.
Agreed, Turner (2020) states that incorporating a blended learning approach allows organizations to cater to a variety of learning styles, ensuring that learners receive information in ways that resonate with them. This approach can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and retention of information.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate, highlighting an insightful scholarly thought. Adding to your note, the blended learning approach is valuable for organisations as it accommodates diverse learning styles. By integrating both online and in-person elements, it caters to visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write learners. Visual learners benefit from multimedia content, auditory learners from audio and video components, kinesthetic learners from hands-on activities, and read/write learners from textual resources. This versatility ensures that employees with different preferences can engage effectively, resulting in enhanced comprehension and skill acquisition.
DeleteKnowing your strengths helps you understand what really makes you stand out and how to use the natural abilities for reaching your full potential to learn. Nowadays there are modern ways of learning like Teams, Google class Room and VR simulation. These teaching methods create more opportunities which levels the playing field to bring the hidden talent out.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, Fawaaz. Modern learning methods like Microsoft Teams (MSTeams) have the potential to unearth hidden talents within individuals. MSTeams provides a collaborative and interactive platform that fosters engagement and participation. It allows for diverse content formats, such as videos, documents, and live presentations, accommodating various learning styles. Through features like virtual classrooms, discussion boards, and instant messaging, MSTeams promotes active communication and knowledge sharing, giving quieter or less vocal individuals a chance to contribute their insights. This inclusivity empowers individuals who might otherwise hesitate to showcase their skills in traditional settings, thereby helping to reveal and develop their hidden talents.
DeleteDiscovering your learning style is crucial for effective knowledge absorption. Visual learners grasp concepts best through images and diagrams, while auditory learners excel in discussions and lectures. Kinesthetic learners thrive with hands-on activities. Understanding your style allows tailoring study techniques to maximize comprehension and retention. Experiment with diverse approaches to identify the most suitable method for enhanced learning and academic success.
ReplyDeleteNice article and a good read.
People definitely possess individualised learning styles, and when they can pinpoint the strategies that work best for them, it enhances their capacity to absorb information in greater depth. Identifying these effective methods allows individuals to tailor their approach to their strengths, resulting in improved comprehension and retention. Just like finding the perfect key for a lock, discovering the most fitting learning methods can unlock a world of knowledge and amplify one's ability to grasp intricate details.
DeleteYour thorough exploration of different learning styles and the strategies to effectively cater to them is both insightful and informative. You've presented a clear understanding of how individual preferences impact learning and how organizations can adapt their training methods accordingly. The breakdown of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write learners, along with their distinct traits, underscores your expertise on the subject.
ReplyDeleteYour article's emphasis on creating learning content that aligns with these styles showcases your practical approach to enhancing training effectiveness. The incorporation of research and statistics adds credibility to your points. Moreover, your mention of blended learning models as a solution to accommodate diverse learning behaviors is commendable.
Your insightful article stands as a valuable resource for organizations looking to create comprehensive and tailored training programs. Your expertise shines through, and it's clear you've put thought into offering practical solutions. Kudos for providing such a well-researched and constructive perspective on identifying and addressing learning styles in training processes!
Thank you for your appreciation and understanding. I thought that discussing learning styles was crucial in today's fast-paced business world due to the dynamic nature of work and the diverse workforce. Understanding employees' preferred learning methods allows organisations to optimise training and development initiatives. Tailoring learning experiences to individual styles increases engagement, retention, and the application of new skills. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, efficient learning is essential for staying competitive and adapting to change. Recognising and accommodating different learning styles fosters a culture of continuous learning, empowering employees to acquire and apply knowledge effectively, contributing to both personal growth and the success of the organisation.
DeleteI appreciate your comment and the highlight. Yes, I agree with you. Determining the ideal learning style, or a combination of styles, is not a matter of right or wrong. Each person has a unique way of absorbing and processing information. Some may prefer visual aids like diagrams and videos, while others might learn best through discussions or hands-on experiences. It's like choosing a favourite colour—there's no universal "best" colour; it's a matter of personal preference. Similarly, finding the most effective learning style or blend of styles varies from person to person. The key is discovering what resonates most with you, enhancing your learning experience, and making it more enjoyable and efficient.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. People learn and shape their learning experiences to be the best they can be. Everyone has their own unique way of understanding and retaining information. Some might take notes, others might draw diagrams, and some might explain concepts to others to solidify their understanding. It's like crafting a personalised recipe for learning success. By recognising how you learn best and tailoring your approach, you can make your learning journey more effective, enjoyable, and ultimately more rewarding.
ReplyDeleteA good article. Learning styles refer to the different ways individuals prefer to process and absorb information. Understanding and accommodating various learning styles can enhance the effectiveness of education and training. Personalized learning styles would be profitable and effectible for the individual and for the overall organization
ReplyDeleteWhat you highlighted in your comment is completely accepted. Further, adding to your comment, personalised learning styles offer advantages to both individuals and organizations. By catering to individual preferences and strengths, learners are more engaged and motivated, leading to better comprehension and retention of information. This tailored approach not only empowers individuals to learn at their own pace but also contributes to a more skilled and adaptable workforce. Organisations benefit from improved employee performance, increased productivity, and a positive work atmosphere, ultimately fostering growth and success.
DeleteA very interesting and informative article Nuwan! Appreciate the time and effort spent on formulating the same. Agreed with your article! As you correctly mentioned, blended learning is a versatile and approachable teaching strategy that blends online and in-person instruction. By allowing students to interact with knowledge in a variety of media, it promotes student motivation and course achievement.
ReplyDeleteAdding to your comment, blended learning methods hold significant importance for both organisational and personal development. By combining traditional classroom instruction with online resources and interactive elements, blended learning accommodates diverse learning styles and schedules. For organisations, it enhances employee skill sets and adaptability, fostering a more capable workforce that can readily embrace new challenges. Simultaneously, individuals can tailor their learning experience, accessing content when and how it suits them best. This approach encourages continuous learning and self-improvement, benefiting personal growth while aligning with organisational goals. In essence, blended learning maximises learning efficiency, benefiting both the individual and the organisation's developmental pursuits.
DeleteShivam and Sing (2015) explain that we live in a digitalized era where all the information is just a touch away. Even our educational system is not that much touched. So the learning environment should incorporate the benefits of traditional as well as modern learning. Thus the new concept of blended learning arises. A blended environment is the best possible solution for meaningful learning.
Hi Nuwan,
ReplyDeleteInformative article and an interesting reading. Finding your preferred learning style is essential for maximizing your learning. The VARK model, which was put forth by Neil D. Fleming and Colleen E. Mills in 1992, divides learners into visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic types, emphasizing the variety in how different people best absorb knowledge. Experiential Learning Theory by David A. Kolb, published in 1984, emphasizes the importance of personal experience in learning and claims that people tend to be either convergers, divergers, or accommodators. knowledge of one's learning style allows students to modify their study methods to play to their strengths, improving knowledge and retention. furthermore, according to research like Pashler et al. (2008), this awareness encourages the use of more effective learning strategies, which maximizes the acquisition of new knowledge and skills in a variety of educational environments.
I appreciate you highlighting an important scholar's ideas to make this article more meaningful. Further, according to Kayalar, F (2017) almost all learners have different learning strengths that enable them to begin to concentrate, remain focused, and understand and remember important information and ideas. They become much more efficient, productive, and successful, and it is more probable that they will produce their best work if they manage to apply their strengths. More importantly, discovering one's optimal learning style is pivotal for skill enhancement. When individuals understand whether they learn better through visual aids, auditory cues, reading or writing, or hands-on experiences, they can tailor their learning approach accordingly. This alignment between learning style and skill development method enhances comprehension, retention, and application of new knowledge. By harnessing this self-awareness, individuals can maximise their learning potential and expedite their personal skill growth journey.
DeleteI'm Nuwan.
ReplyDeleteBlended learning blends online and face-to-face instruction to create a format that is both adaptable and convenient for students. By providing them with opportunities to learn in a variety of ways, it boosts students' motivation and performance in class. Blended learning improves education because it combines the best of both traditional classroom instruction and the flexible, at-your-own-pace online modules.
I completely agree with your comment. Adding to your thoughts, embracing blended learning styles holds profound significance for elevating our personal skills. A blend of diverse approaches such as traditional instruction, online resources, interactive activities, and real-world applications caters to various learning preferences. This holistic approach enhances engagement, understanding, and retention of new skills. Blended learning also encourages adaptability and critical thinking as individuals navigate through different modes of learning. Ultimately, this versatile strategy empowers us to grasp and refine personal skills more effectively, ensuring well-rounded and enduring growth.
DeleteYour exploration of learning styles in employee training is insightful and practical. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and improve job performance. Tailoring learning content to match diverse styles, influenced by generational and individual preferences, is crucial for effective training. Personalization is key to successful training. Understanding the evolving nature of learning styles and their adaptability in different situations and tasks demonstrates the complexity of learning behaviors. Your approach of assessing common learning styles and exploring blended learning models resonates well, advocating for a tailored strategy to cater to various learning behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comment. Recognising the dynamic nature of learning styles and their applicability across diverse situations and tasks highlights the intricate nature of how we learn. Individuals exhibit varying preferences for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or other modes of learning, and these preferences can change over time or based on the context. Adapting learning styles to different scenarios underscores the complexity of human learning behaviours, showcasing the need for flexible and personalised approaches in education and skill development.
DeleteThe blog does an excellent job of breaking down different learning styles and how they can be accommodated in a corporate training environment. The mention of blended learning models is a nice touch. However, the post could delve deeper into how organizations can practically assess employees' learning styles. Are there any standardized tests or frameworks that companies use?
ReplyDeleteYou have highlighted very valid points. Yes, there are several ways to assess the learning styles of your staff, such as observation, feedback, surveys, and tests. One of the most popular and reliable tools is the VARK questionnaire, which consists of 16 multiple-choice questions that measure the preferences for each of the four modes.
DeleteWhile there are standardised tests and frameworks available, their validity and effectiveness have been debated within the education and training communities. Therefore, organisations might find it more beneficial to combine multiple assessment methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of their employees' learning preferences.
For comprehensive answers to your questions, click on this link. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-assess-learning-styles-your-staff#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20ways%20to,each%20of%20the%20four%20modes.