What should a trainer do to address learning differences? There are three things every trainer should know about learning styles:
What is a “Learning Style”?
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.
How Should I Address Learning Styles?
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 “learning styles are a myth.” The idea 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.
Be Well,
Jeanine O'Neill-Blackwell
President/CEO
4MAT 4BUSINESS
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