There are 12 widely recognized learning styles that can help trainers understand how people prefer to learn, from visual and auditory learning to logical, social, and reflective learning. Rather than relying on one approach, effective training combines different learning methods to meet diverse learner needs.
This article is from our Corporate Training Strategies guides hub.
Should trainers use only one learning style?
Before talking about the individual types of learning styles, i.e., the different ways in which individuals learn, it is worth mentioning mixed methods.
As learners, we learn not just in one way but in various ways, an idea that aligns with the principles of adult learning, where relevance, experience, and application play an important role. For more on this topic, see our guide to Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory.
We might learn by listening, but then we also might learn from touching and feeling something, i.e., through touch. So we learn not just in one way, but through a combination of learning styles.
So in this sense, it’s all about mixed methods and getting the chance as a learner to experience a couple of learning styles.
So, as a trainer, it is useful for you to focus on making sure that the training you provide includes variety. For example, where practical, you might want to try to include:
- group and classroom activities
- presenting (as the trainer/teacher)
- class discussion
- some self-study
So, let’s look at the most commonly used categories and types of learning styles.
1. Visual Learning
Visual learning is a learning preference where people understand information more easily through diagrams, pictures, charts, videos, and other visual aids.
You can target this learning style by using any type of visual aids and activities that involve the use of diagrams, images, infographics, charts, etc.
Tools that can help you include:
- PowerPoint slides (see these 7 Tips on how to design PowerPoint slides for teaching
- Flipcharts with drawings
- Videos
- and any other visuals.
2. Auditory Learning
Auditory learning is a learning preference where people learn most effectively by listening to spoken instructions, conversations, lectures, music, and other sounds.
You can address this style by talking to your learners and explaining concepts through the spoken word. You can also engage them in conversation, so they can hear what other people say.
A person with an auditory learning style prefers to listen to instructions rather than reading them. Auditory learners like to hear things.
In addition to explaining things orally, you could also employ activities that include songs, music, or poetry in your sessions to address the auditory learning style.
3. Verbal Learning
Verbal learning is a learning preference where people understand information best through spoken and written language, including reading, writing, discussions, and presentations.
People who like verbal learning also like to process information through writing. They like to take notes and to write up information.
So, you can target this style by providing handouts with reading materials or giving oral explanations. You can engage learners in debates, discussions, and presentations.
You can also use activities that include writing summaries or solving word games such as crosswords and riddles.
4. Kinesthetic Learning
Kinesthetic learning is a learning preference where people learn best through hands-on activities, movement, and physical experience.
You can target this style by asking participants to do activities that require them to stand up, for example. Or you can include activities that require the use of cards or organizing ideas on Post-it notes that can be rearranged on a table.
If you are teaching online, this style is a bit harder to accommodate, but there are activities you can use. For example, an activity that we list in our list of 21 icebreakers for online teaching is called ‘Take a picture of something’ (No. 10 on the list).
This activity requires participants to take a picture of something that is in their room or outside their window and then start a discussion with other learners. This is an activity that addresses both visual and kinesthetic learners, as they will need to interact with the environment around them and move around to take the picture.
Also, when teaching online, simply requiring participants to interact by having to click on things and move things around with their mouse may be enough to engage their tactile sense.
So, for example, flashcards, drag-and-drop activities, or designing mind maps can help.
You can also ask learners to create videos about what they are learning as a form of assignment, to encourage them to engage with the environment.
5. Solitary Learning
Solitary learning is a learning preference where people learn best by working independently, giving them time to read, reflect, research, and process information on their own.
You can give your learners some space for individual reflection by, for example, asking them to analyze a case study or reflect on a topic on their own, before asking them to form pairs or groups and discuss it together.
Alternatively, there are also activities that can be done individually, such as questionnaires or puzzles.
Solitary learning can take place before or after classroom teaching.
6. Social Learning
Social learning is a learning preference where people understand information best through collaboration, discussion, and group activities.
In order to target this type of learning, there are plenty of group activities that you can ask participants to do (i.e., games, discussions, and more).
If you include group activities in any class you give, they work very well when combined with some verbal teaching and verbal learning.
In other words, a good combination is to do some talking, combined with a PowerPoint presentation, integrated with group and individual activities, much as we do in the training materials we sell.
7. Logical Learning
Logical learning is a learning preference where people understand concepts by using reasoning, patterns, structure, and step-by-step analysis.
You can address this learning style by introducing sequences of logical steps, flow diagrams, or logically ordered bullet points.
8. Holistic Learning
Holistic learning is a learning preference where people learn best by understanding the bigger picture and seeing how ideas, concepts, and experiences connect.
You can cater to this learning style by including activities such as mind maps, role plays, and group discussions.
9. Activist Learners
Activist learners prefer to learn by immediately trying things out, participating in activities, and gaining experience through action.
So, they like to get involved in actions and discussions and to action something before they even start reading about it.
Good activities to address this learning style include:
- brainstorming
- problem-solving
- discussions
- role-plays
- and competitions
10. Theorist Learners
Theorist learners prefer to understand the concepts, models, and principles that explain why something works before putting it into practice.
This style is similar, but not quite the same, as the logical style.
In order to target this learning style, you can use
- stories
- quotes
- statistics
- and background information
11. Pragmatist Learners
Pragmatist learners prefer to understand how new knowledge can be applied in practical, real-world situations.
They like to understand how knowledge can be useful for them in their practical life.
To cater to this style, you can use:
- case studies
- discussions
- and problem-solving activities
Also, make sure to highlight the benefits of what they will learn for their lives. This is important to motivate any adult learner, but even more so for pragmatist people.
12. Reflector Learners
Reflector learners prefer to take time to observe, analyze, and think through experiences before reaching conclusions or taking action.
To target this learning style, you can use discussions in pairs, self-reflection questionnaires, and feedback from others.
As you will have noticed, some of these learning styles overlap in some ways. Also, these are just theoretical constructions, but in practice, most people benefit from using a variety of learning styles.
So, you might be wondering what this means for you as a trainer and how you can apply these principles.
Well, our Train the Trainer courses delve deeper into these issues and offer invaluable tools for trainers!
FAQs
Are learning styles scientifically proven?
The evidence for learning styles is mixed. While many trainers find learning style frameworks useful for designing varied and engaging training, research has found little evidence that matching instruction to a person’s preferred learning style consistently improves learning outcomes. Instead, most experts recommend using a variety of teaching methods that combine visual, auditory, discussion-based, and hands-on activities to cater to different types of learners.
