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Different Strokes |
I wanted to talk about different learning styles in this newsletter, because I came across a Learning Modality Self-Assessment instrument, presented by Robert W. Lucas in his book, The Creative Training Idea Book. I thought you might enjoy reviewing and perhaps using this instrument in your training classes. Lucas' book, The Creative Training Idea Book, is filled with active training ideas, with chapters on brain-based learning, creating a stimulating learning environment and engaging and energizing learners.
In 1983, David Kolb (Silberman, Active Training, 3rd Edition) identified four distinct learning styles. These he labeled Accommodating, Diverging, Assimilating, and Converging. Mel Silberman in his book, Active Training, contrasts each of Kolb's learning styles, by indicating how an individual exemplifying each style might go about learning a new card game.
Accommodators, Silberman tells us, like controlled experimentation, and in this regard would opt to play a simulated practice game to learn. I thought this was the methodology everyone used when it came to learning card games? Not so, Divergers, according to Kolb, are risk takers and prefer to jump right in and play, learning as they go. I would imagine you would need a great deal of confidence in your ability to learn quickly if you were one of Kolb's Divergers. I know that I am one to watch and analyze before I'm ready to play. This is because I am afraid of appearing like I don't know what I'm doing, and I am only confident of the fact that, early on, I really wouldn't know much and probably would get it all wrong. In this regard Kolb would call me a Converger - one who would prefers to figure things out quietly using their own reasoning ability by first watching the practice round. Finally Kolb identifies the Assimilator, who solves problems through inductive reasoning. Assimilators want to be comfortably guided to the correct answers, so they might first grab the game's instruction manual and read it cover to cover. Only then might they choose to jump into a real game.
Abraham Maslow, many years ago, (1968) presented us with a Human Needs hierarchy. He pointed out that we have two sets of needs, one for growth and the other for safety. Maslow informs us that our need to feel safe and secure must always be met before we will reach for growth or try something new. This appears to coincide with Kolb's look at different learning styles. It should be of interest to trainers however, that an element of learning certainly appears to be the level of safety learners are experiencing.
Perhaps a different take on different learning modalities has us look at the very way in which learners wish to be served new information. Learners may prefer, visual, auditory or kinesthetic instructive methods. Visual learners like sequenced presentation, videos and demonstrations. They prefer to write information down, so naturally they are big note takers. Visual learners use their eyes primarily to take in information, so like the folks from the great State of Missouri, the "Show Me State", seeing is believing. Contrast them with auditory learners, who are less likely even to look up during a lecture. Auditory learners rely on listening to learn and remember. They may also be talkative in class, which is a way to reinforce or rephrase learning simply by hearing themselves talk about the topic.
Kinesthetic learners, on the other hand, want to learn by doing, and are impulsive to get active and involved in the subject matter. They prefer group activities, role playing, and want to touch and feel their way to understanding. And as you've probably suspected, most of us use a combination of these learning styles versus simply relying on one. Research by Grinder (1991), found "In every group of 30 people, an average of 22 are able to learn effectively as long as the instructor provides a blend of visual, auditory and kinesthetic activity" (Silberman, Active Training, Third Edition). The remaining 8 people are highly reliant on one learning style, and consequently, find it difficult trying to understand information presented using other modalities.
It also appears that preferred learning styles may also be changing for new generations. Research by Schroeder tells us that younger generations appear to have a distinct preference for active learning. Sixty percent have a practical versus theoretical orientation to learning, and prefer "concrete and active" experience over "abstract and reflective" learning by a ratio of five to one.
Here is Learning Modality Self Assessment Instrument shown by Locus (The Creative Training Idea Book, p. 55).
LEARNING MODALITY SELF–ASSESSMENT
Robert W. Lucas – The Creative Training Idea Book
1. In the Preferred Behavior Column Place an (X)
2. In the "Style Category Column place A, V, or K based on below table.
3. Add the number of A, V, and Ks and place that in space indicated below. |
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Preferred
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Like to touch and handle things when looking at them
Spell well
Like to listen to books on tape
Enjoy reading books
Verbal directions alone confuse me
Enjoy background music while working on a project
Would rather discuss a topic than read about it
Prefer use of colors and colored paper on handouts
Enjoy writing
Often talk to myself
Like working with my hands
Good athlete
Enjoy jigsaw puzzles
Have a lot of nervous energy (tapping pencils, fingers, etc)
Remember jokes, stories and conversations
Collect things
Comprehend information better if reading aloud
Can read maps well
Doodle or draw pictures
Uses finger as pointer when reading
Like games, role plays, and simulation activities
Use rhymes and jingles to remember things
Get meaning from others body language and facial
expression
Good at locating things or places
Take a lot of notes during a lecture
Easily interpret and understand messages received orally
Follow written instructions well
Talk rapidly and use hands to communicate
Like to take things apart and put them together
Enjoy talking to others on the telephone |
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A |
EQUALS |
3, 7, 9, 10, 15, 17,20, 22, 26, 30 |
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V |
EQUALS |
2, 4, 5, 8, 13, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27 |
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K |
EQUALS |
1, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 21, 24, 28, 29 |
A___________ V___________ K___________ |
The letter with the highest number after it is your highest learning style or modality. The second highest score indicates your back-up style or secondary preference. If you have equal ratings, you are likely to shift between styles given the particular activity.
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