Most people have found that they learn things easiest when using one learning method. For example, in order to learn how to use a computer program some people learn best by reading the instruction manual before starting. Other people do better when they have a demonstration of the program before using it themselves. Some want to have the program directions explained to them verbally while still others prefer a hands-on approach and want to get in and use the program as someone directs them.
Each of these situations demonstrates a basic learning style of human beings. Research has shown that there are four learning styles used by all people. For each person, however, only one of those styles is dominant and is the one with which they feel most comfortable. That doesn't mean that they can't learn through the other styles, only that they will learn best using the method most comfortable for them.
Let's summarize the four learning styles:
Learn from feeling-this style emphasizes personal involvement. The learner will tend to rely on their feelings rather than on a systematic approach to the information that must be learned. With this style, a person learns from specific experiences, their relationships with and sensitivity to the people involved.
Learn by watching and listening-this style is passive and emphasizes observation and careful listening. The learner will tend to rely on patience, objectivity and careful judgment, but would not be involved in any direct action. The learners will rely on their own thoughts and judgments. With this style, a person makes careful observations and views things from different perspectives in order to find the meaning of things.
Learning by thinking-this style emphasizes the use of logic and ideas to understand the information that must be learned. Here the learner uses systematic planning to develop theories and ideas to learn information. With this style, a person uses analysis and logic to create an intellectual understanding of information.
Learning by doing-this style is active and emphasizes action and experience to learn the information. The learner uses active participation to achieve results and needs to use a practical approach which involves an element of risk-taking. With this style a person actually performs tasks and places value on getting things done and seeing the results to stimulate learning information.
Traditionally, most technical training for the insurance industry has been delivered in a 'lecture' format using the 'learning by listening' and 'learning by thinking' styles. There has not been much emphasis on either of the other two styles. Therefore, people whose dominant styles are 'learning by feeling' and 'learning by doing' can have a more difficult time when learning technical information.
There's a new form of training emerging in this computer-driven age: computer-based training. This allows the use of all four learning styles and makes technical information more easily understood.. To train employees most effectively it's essential to understand that different people learn in different ways and provide the means for each employee to access their best learning style. This will help ensure the best comprehension, which, in turn, will help make your employees more effective and productive.