by Krista Tannahill

Created on: July 20, 2009

When students enter the classroom they bring with them a variety of skills and life experiences that they want to apply to the learning process. It is important to understand that each student in the classroom is a unique individual with a diverse set of skills and abilities. A successful educator, facilitator or trainer is one that will apply a variety of teaching strategies in a seamless manner so that all learning styles are covered for maximum information retention.

Learning styles refer to the manner in which a person learns; processes and retains new information. There are three basic learning styles which include visual, verbal and kinesthetic. Most people have a preferred style of learning but can effectively learn through a combination of all learning styles.

Visual Learning Style
Visual learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as handouts, maps, charts, posters, videos, demonstrations and diagrams. The visual learner prefers to write notes, make lists, organize information and read.

When facilitating a class with visual learners it is important to utilize a variety of training tools including a whiteboard or chalk board, over-head projector, charts, graphs or illustrations.

Visual learners have the tendency to doodle or take notes when learning. In many cases this process will solidify the learning and help the learner process the information being provided. A tenured facilitator will usually allow a participant to doodle or take notes during class as long as the individual is participating in class, able to answer course related questions and is not distracting other participants.

Auditory Learning Style
Auditory learners retain information by listening. They prefer to learn through a variety of auditory teaching practices including lectures, videos and class discussions.

When facilitating a class with auditory learners incorporate various classroom learning activities that involve discussion. Group activities, reading out loud, videos and lectures can help an auditory learner effectively retain and understand new information.

Many auditory learners prefer not to take notes during class as they learn best by listening. The process of writing notes will distract the auditory learner from key points being discussed during a class. When facilitating a class do not be discouraged when one or two individuals leave their notebooks empty as they are most likely an auditory learner.

Kinesthetic Learning Style
Kinesthetic learners are hands-on learners who prefer to learn by doing. The hands-on learner has the tendency to become easily distracted or bored if the facilitator's delivery method does not involve participatory activities. Group activities, practice sessions and games will help the kinesthetic learner understand and process the course material.

Kinesthetic learners really enjoy hands on activities and will usually be doing something to keep their hands busy while the facilitator is training. Stress balls are a great tool to have available in the classroom so that hands on learners will be able to focus on the training will keeping their hands busy at the same time.

Keys to Successful Learning
One of the keys to successful student teaching is to incorporate a variety of faciltiation tools into the course to allow each learner to retain information in a way that best suits their personality and learning style.

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