Three styles of learning …

Of the many workshops, seminars and conferences I’ve done, one of the most popular have been on the topic of communication.

People today long to be connected. Just look at the overt popularity of social networking. People want to be connected to other people … they want to communicate.

Key to effective communication is, actually, how we learn since that has everything to do with how we receive information or incoming data. Understanding how a person learns best can help us in our personal, as well as professional, communications.

There are three basic learning styles, although it is possible for a person to blend their learning style. However, we usually have a primary learning style.

The first learning style is Visual Learners who primarily learn best through the written word and visual media. These learners tend to be avid readers who absorb every word and may make copious notes. These are the people who, when presenting information to, will likely very quickly reach out and say, “Here, let me see that.” They absorb information better by seeing it for themselves and are less effective in processing data that is only heard. Here are some tips for presenting to Visual Learners:

• • Provide written materials and exercises. Include photos, videos, graphics, and charts when available.
  • Write key words on a white board or flip chart; use PowerPoint to provide visuals of the information you’re presenting.
  • Use actual materials you’re presenting about.
  • Ask participants to write responses.
  • Ask them to be a recorder in a group.
  • Overall, involve them through visual/spatial sense.

The second learning style is Auditory Learners who learn primarily through listening. These learners focus their ears and attention on your words, listening very carefully to everything you say. These learners prefer to talk rather than to write and relish the opportunity to discuss what they have heard. Here are some tips for presenting to Auditory Learners:

• • State the information.
  • Ask the audience to describe specific information.
  • Provide discussion periods.
  • Encourage questions.
  • Foster small group participation.
  • Utilize audio materials and make audio recordings available.

The third type of learner are Kinesthetic Learners who learn better by what they are doing. This group learns best when they can practice what they are learning. These learners want to have their hands on the keyboard, hammer, or test tube because they think in terms of physical action. Here are some tips for presenting to Kinesthetic Learners:

• • Demonstrate how a principle works.
  • Ask them to practice the technique.
  • Encourage underlining and highlighting key words.
  • Provide real-life simulations.
  • Offer hands-on activities.
  • Overall, involve them physically.

Again, it’s quite possible for a person to blend learning styles, but most of us have a primary learning style. Understanding how others learn will help you know how to more effectively communicate to others in a manner in which they are best capable of receiving and absorbing what you have to share with them.

Scotty