This document discusses learning styles and how understanding learning preferences can help maximize training success. It notes that people learn in different ways, either preferring auditory, visual, or kinesthetic input, and that some prefer independent or social learning environments. The document outlines several learning style theories and assessment tools and encourages trainers to understand their own styles as well as incorporate a variety of activities to appeal to different preferences. Recognizing individual learning styles can help make the learning process more effective and enjoyable.

1. Introduction to LEARNING STYLES National Liaisons Workshop (6) ITOCA / BLDS

2. Perception & Preference “ If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is - infinite” William Blake “ I never say I have a preference for one medium as opposed to another” Christine Baranski

3. Learning Styles - Objectives By the end of this session, you will: Recognise that training is an ongoing experiment into the modes, models and preferences of thinking and processing information Maximize training success by understanding that various learning styles and preferences exist and vary among students Incorporate activities that will maximize students preference Know how to make learning enjoyable, faster and easier

4. What is a learning style? Throughout this module, the terms “learning style” and “learning preference” will be synonymous

5. Learning Styles Each person perceives, processes, stores and retrieves material in a unique way that is individual to their preference and style

6. Learning Style Theory Educational researchers, psychologists, and sociologists observed adults in education settings Identified patterns of learner preferences Hoped to determine any commonalties Learning style theories result of research Consider one spectrum of learning How people process information

7. Learners have preferences Learners prefer different types of input and experiences such as: Some prefer structure and others like flexibility Some prefer independence while others like a social or group learning environment Some prefer auditory (hearing) input, others visual (seeing) and still others like kinesthetic (movements) inputs

8. Learning Style Although we have inherent preferences we will learn in most every environment Learning is more pleasant when our individual preferences are targeted Adult learners are flexible & adaptable!

9. Assessing learning styles Various instruments available: Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBPTI) Learning Styles Inventory (Dunn and Dunn) Many more instruments exist Look online!

10. Assessing your personal learning style Trainers should know their own learning preferences We tend to teach the way we like to learn which may be a disservice to our students If a misunderstanding arises use your knowledge of learning styles to reflect May provide clues to the reason for misunderstanding

11. Variety in class - examples Can you think of different ways to promote variety in the classroom? Discuss in pairs, 3 minutes

12. Learning Styles [Show Video]

13. Knowledge of learning styles and creation of diverse lesson plans helps: student to be comfortable in an optimal learning environment students to grow and develop beyond their learning preferences

14. Learning Style Theory – Tasks (15 mins) In your groups, find out about the learning style theory assigned to your group Auditory - visual - kinesthetic preferences Social and independent learning styles Analytic and global learning preferences Present a 5 minute presentation on: Learning style theory Activities associated with learning style Impact on IL training

15. Learning Styles What are the key learning points from this session?

16. Learning Styles - Summary People process information in a variety of ways Learners have a learning preference Adults are flexible and adaptable Knowing your learning preference can influence your training style Variety in the classroom will improve the learning experience

17. Learning Style - Summary Encourage students to broaden learning preferences Know your learning style Dunn and Dunn Myers and Briggs Look Online!

18. Group A Auditory - visual - kinesthetic preferences Define learning style / preferences Activities associated with these learning styles Approaches that could be adopted in IL session

19. Group B Social and independent learning styles Define learning style / preferences Activities associated with these learning styles Approaches that could be adopted in IL session

20. Group C Analytic and global learning preferences Define learning style / preferences Activities associated with these learning styles Approaches that could be adopted in IL session