Learning Styles

During the recent trainer meet-ups CMTO trainers in Melbourne and Perth were interested in learning styles and issues surrounding adult learners and learners with special needs.

There was much discussion around making learning and assessment materials flexible so all trainees could access them in the best possible format.

While there is much debate about the categorisation of learning styles, there are a number of theories which have been developed and even some quizzes you can do to determine the way you and your trainees learn.

One well known categorisation of learning styles is based around the VARK model, which builds on the idea that people learn through different sensory modes; including Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic.

VARK has its basis in the theory of ‘individualised learning styles’ of which a main proponent is David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory; which you can read more about here.

As an excerise in critical thinking you could get your trainees to take the VARK questionnaire here and discuss whether the results are valid and what this means for their learning habits.

There is much to read on the internet about learning styles so do some research and experiment in your sessions with different delivery modes to see what engages your trainees best.