Why trainers should avoid learning styles — Jeff Toister

There are proven approaches that can make your training programs far more effective. Here are a few examples:

Multi-modal

People tend to learn more when information is delivered in multiple ways. This is regardless of individual learning preferences.

That’s why the class tell, show, do method works so well.

• Tell: Explain the concept (Auditory)

• Show: Give participants an example (Visual)

• Do: Ask participants to practice (Kinesthetic)

Let’s go back to that video from earlier. Use this link to cut to a scene where you can see participant learning improves across the board with a multi-modal approach.

Accessible Design

Some of your learners might have disabilities that make learning more difficult. For example, I have ADHD, which makes it extremely difficult for me to sit still and focus on long lectures.

Designing learning with accessibility in mind can make it easier for everyone to learn. Most people struggle to learn from long lectures, not just people with ADHD.

Here are a few tips:

• Use a multi-modal approach

• Make graphics large, clear, and legible

• Give clear and simple instructions

• Provide ample time for activities

Some learners need additional accommodations. It’s a good idea to engage participants directly to understand their needs when they request extra assistance.

Context

Consider the context of how skills will be used when designing training. The closer the training fits the actual work, the better it will prepare participants to do the job.

For example, try training:

• Listening skills by having learners practice listening

• Observational skills by having learners observe

• Procedural skills by having learners practice the procedure

Respect Preferences

Adult learners tend to prioritize their comfort over learning. That means trainers must do a high wire act to balance between challenging people enough to learn something new, but not so much that they’ll opt out of learning.

It helps to respect individual learning preferences so long as they don’t interfere with learning. Here are a few ways to do this:

1. Let people sit where they want

2. Encourage people to take notes as they wish

3. Give people options for completing activities

4. Provide opportunities for self-paced or self-directed learning

Conclusion

While learning styles don’t exist, your learners do have preferences. Do your best to make participants feel comfortable while still challenging them to learn new skills.

This short video from my LinkedIn Learning course, Instruction Design: Adult Learners, provides a short overview of learning styles.