Training. How Adults Learn.
Adults learn differently from children. Trainers need to be aware of this fact to be successful.
Trainers need to be sensitive to the different ways adults learn. Without getting into the psychology of learning or brain development, here is an overview of the types of learners that trainers will come across.
There are three basic types of adult learners, briefly described as follows:
The visual learner
This type of learner processes new information best when the information is demonstrated or illustrated. For visual learners, successful techniques are demonstrations, role-play, and drawing pictures
The auditory learner
This learner processes new information best when the information is spoken. Lecturing is a successful technique for auditory learners. You might not need to use any props to help auditory learners make the connection between what you say and what the learner understands.
The kinesthetic (or tactile) learner
This learner processes new information best when the information can be touched or manipulated. Keying the steps to create something, taking notes,
examining items, and participating in activities are successful techniques for this type of learner.
I’m a kinesthetic learner. I prefer to do exercises and I take lots of notes. I like to touch and study scale models or equipment, and generally take action. I learn faster that way, and I remember more from the training. Before becoming a trainer, however, I believed that everyone was a kinesthetic learner. I could not have been more wrong. Today, I now know that people learn in different ways, and I have become more creative in the way that I deliver my material, by looking for ways of using all the senses.
As a trainer, you want to establish rapport with the participants. Being aware of your own and others’ preferred sensory systems, and respecting the differences will guide you to a successful training session.
About the Author
Michel DiStefano has worked for over 25 years as a technical communicator, trainer,and marketing consultant; writing for engineers, technicians, trainers and executives. He studied Journalism and Communications at Concordia University. He is a certified Six Sigma analyst.
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