Learning Types
There are different levels of learning:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Abilities
- competences
- Attitudes, values
- Self-image
So we have to learn not only how to recognise and understand the world intellectually, but also how we can and should behave in it, how we can cope with its challenges.
And we also have to learn how to deal with ourselves, with our feelings and sensations, or what goals we set for ourselves. Of course, it is also a learning process when we form or discard characteristics and habits, when we change our behaviour or our convictions, and so on.
As a trainer, you have to take into account the different types of learning styles of the people to deliver your training effectively. The goal of training is to develop the people and enhance their knowledge and skills. By targeting the different types of learning styles, you’re making it easier for learners to absorb information as compared to giving general training.
A popular theory about learning styles is the VARK model. It stands for Visual, Auditory (Aural), Reading/ Writing, and Kinesthetic modalities for learning (Fleming and Mills, 1992). Each one is associated with a preference for learning that may help retention of information.
To give you an idea of the different types of learners, here are types of learning styles:
The visual learning style involves information processing via visual media such as charts, graphs, tables, and maps. A learner who favors the visual style might draw a diagram to explain a concept or ask a question or create a picture to represent key concepts. Visual learners prefer to see information drawn or represented in various ways.
Auditory learning style refers to processing information that is spoken and heard. Auditory learners prefer vocal collaboration and communication where they read out loud lessons to absorb the information in their head. Some examples of this type of learning style include music, lectures, podcasts, and talks.
Verbal learning is the process of learning about responses. Compared to other types of learning styles, verbal learners recall details better through reading, speaking, and writing. This is to say that they process information better when presented in words, may it be in speech or text form. Those who have this learning style tend to create study materials that help them understand and memorize ideas.
Kinesthetic learning involves tactile or sensory experiences, manipulating real objects, performing active experiments, or otherwise participating in hands-on learning activities. This involves the use of the different senses to take in information. It is also referred to as experiential learning, which is the process of learning by doing. This is usually best used in fields that require hands-on lessons to better explain the topic at hand. By involving the learners in the process of creating, planning, and solving, they absorb the lessons more by experiencing them firsthand. Some examples of kinesthetic learning include laboratory sessions, immersions, and hands-on workshops.
- visuals
- Audio
