Different Strokes for Different Folks

Steven — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:47:00 GMT

It is widely known that different people learn in different ways and a training programme that is suitable for one person may not suit another, which always presents problems to the trainer when delivering training to large groups. In fact this problem is not necessarily restricted to large groups as it is quite easy to have very different learning styles in smaller groups.

Trainers have their own learning style and there can be a tendency to assume that what is good enough for them is good enough for everybody. When a person decides to become a trainer there are a number of excellent accredited courses that not only enables that person to recognise their own learning style but those of others. Organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and the Institute of IT Training (IITT) run excellent courses for prospective trainers and offer a wealth of experience and support for further development in the field.

Which leads us back to the different learning styles that trainers will experience. A training course should be designed with plenty of variety so that although we may not please all of the people all of the time at least we will be able to please all of the people some of the time, and hopefully in the process, help them to understand each other's differences so that they become more tolerant and understanding of other people in their own workplaces. This is a tall order by any standard and it would help if we knew what the different learning styles were so that we can adjust the training delivery to suit those styles.

Fortunately there are only four recognised learning styles and they are:

Activist

The activist is normally a lively outgoing type who is always keen to try new experiences; they have the following learning characteristics:

Learns best from short here-and-now tasks.
Tries anything once and is enthusiastic about new activities.
Throws themselves into action based courses, games and exercises, especially anything competitive.

Reflector

A quieter, more cautious individual who has a preference for sitting back and watching others, preferring to think before acting:

Learns best from standing back and observing what's happening.
Prefers to collect and analyse data before coming to a conclusion.
Enjoys watching people in action.

Theorist

Could be described as a perfectionist, with a tendency to think things through in a logical step-by-step way, while questioning and probing basic assumptions behind something:

Learns best when reviewing content in terms of a system, model or theory.
Tends to be detached and analytical.
Puts great stock on rationality and logic.

Pragmatist

This person is practical and is always looking for new techniques or ideas to try out in the job.

Learns best when there is an obvious link between the subject matter and a problem or opportunity on the job.
Searches for new ideas and the chance to apply them to a relevant situation.
Likes to get on with things, rather than having long, open-ended discussions.

Imagine having all four learning styles under the same roof, quite a challenge! It doesn't take long to recognise the learning style of a person and a good trainer will adjust their training delivery to get the best from those attending the training.

Incidentally I am mostly a Pragmatist with a smattering of Activist, what learning style do you think you have?

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Different Strokes for Different Folks