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Anyone who has logged a few hours in front of a classroom or read through the diverse spectrum of responses that show up on a post-training reaction survey recognize that learning differences are real. A Google search on “learning styles” recently displayed over 16,500,000 results. Clearly, there are many people out there talking about how to address learning styles.
What should a trainer do to address learning differences? There are three things every trainer should know about learning styles: |  |
Learning style refers to personal preference for how you like to take in and process information. The most recent brain research confirms that when we learn new information, the activity in our brain follows a defined cycle. This path is universal, regardless of learning style. Your learning style describes the part of the learning process you enjoy most and default to in new learning or problem-solving situations.
When you first discover that different people have unique preferences, you might think it would be advantageous to group learners by style and teach to their preference. Some learning styles models advocate this. Brain research shows us that for learning transfer to occur, the learner must move through all four parts of the learning cycle. The 4MAT model provides a framework for addressing the needs of all learning preferences while ensuring learning transfer.
There is a Difference between using “Style Strategies” and Brain-based Teaching
The recently released book Evidence-Based Training Methods: A Guide for Training Professionals by Ruth Clark shares that we should group learners by style and teach only to their preference is indeed a myth. This book brings forth a healthy distinction in the conversation around learning styles. To engage each learner, we must address their unique needs. To fulfill the learning objective, we must lead the learner through the learning cycle. When you apply the 4MAT model, you accomplish both.
Cheers,
Jeanine O'Neill-Blackwell
President/CEO
4MAT 4Business™
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Hold On, You Lost Me! Web Series
July 14, 2010 - September 8, 2010
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Exclusive Free Webinar: Featuring Author Margaret Wheatley
June 2, 2010
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Live Class: 4MAT® Immersion Experience
June 15, 2010
August 18 - 20, 2010
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July 14, 2010 - September 8, 2010
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Central
Join 4MAT 4Business™ for (5) web workshops to put the best-selling book, Hold On, You Lost Me!, into action. In this series, you will learn and apply the 4MAT 8-step process for designing effective training.
Register online today »
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August 18-20
Covington, LA (45 minutes outside of New Orleans)
Register online »
In this 2.5 day workshop, you’ll explore how to create dynamic learning that delivers results consistently. You’ll borrow tools from media artists, engineers and entertainers to complement your design program. In a series of fun, hands-on exercises you’ll discover what makes each learning style tick. You’ll build an inventory of training activities and delivery techniques you can use with any content.
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