Learning Style Applications for the Workplace
Have you ever sat through a lecture and thought to yourself, “I learned absolutely nothing,” while your classmate appeared to have gleaned infinite amounts of wisdom from the auditory experience?
Have you been assigned lengthy read-aheads to prepare for a work meeting and struggled to make it to the third page, while your coworkers seem to zip through the material with ease?
Have you ever completed a hands-on demo of a new process or software, only to have more questions than answers, while colleagues leave the immersive instructional experience as new program maestros?
The way we process information can vary greatly from person to person. This diversity in processing has been explored in educational psychology under the concept of “learning styles” and can significantly impact our effectiveness in the workplace. Organizational managers and members who understand the potential impacts learning styles have on the employee experience can strengthen the team through strategic applications that have the potential to enhance team performance, improve communication, and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.
What is Learning Style Theory?
Learning style theory suggests that individuals have preferred ways of absorbing, processing, and retaining information. The way your supervisor processes information best may be different from the way you do. There is not one “right” way to learn; instead, team members may be unique in how they process new information - aka, their learning style. This concept has been developed over time by various educational psychologists and practitioners, who have identified distinct categories or styles of learning; however, the potential for applications is not restricted to the educational realm. Learning style theory can positively impact the modern workplace when applied effectively. By recognizing these styles, individuals and organizations can tailor their approaches to maximize learning and productivity.
Multiple Types of Learning Styles
Educational thought leaders have proposed various types of learning styles that are observed. Some identify three types of learning styles, while others have proposed up to nine different types of learning styles.
According to research published by Fleming and Mills, there are four main types of learning styles summarized as VARK - Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic:
Visual - Visual learners absorb information best when it is presented in a graphic depiction such as diagrams, charts, and maps. They often need to see information in order to process it and remember it better.
Auditory - Auditory learners prefer to hear information rather than reading or seeing it. They benefit from lectures, discussions, and audio materials. For them, verbal instructions and explanations are more effective.
Read/Write - Read/Write learners excel when information is presented as words. They prefer reading texts, writing notes, and making lists. These learners benefit from well-structured manuals, reports, and essays.
Kinesthetic - Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best through hands-on experiences. They prefer to touch, manipulate objects, and engage in physical activities to understand and remember information.
It’s important to note that individuals have more than one learning style that resonates well with them. For example, you may learn effectively through both a visual and auditory delivery, while your colleague may be more geared towards hands-on learning, with a secondary learning style of read/write. Identifying the learning styles present across your team can help improve overall performance.
How Learning Styles Impact the Modern Workplace
Understanding the different learning styles within a team can help managers create a more dynamic and effective work environment. When team members are supported in their processing of vast amounts of information, the following organizational benefits may be realized:
Improved Training Programs - Customizing training sessions to accommodate various learning styles ensures that all team members can absorb and apply new knowledge effectively.
Enhanced Communication - Knowing how each team member prefers to receive information can streamline communication and reduce misunderstandings. This is especially important as today’s work teams are inundated with non-stop information flowing through their electronic devices.
Increased Productivity - When employees are trained and communicated with in a way that suits their learning style, they are more likely to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively.
Greater Employee Satisfaction - Incorporating individual learning preferences can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates across the organization. Employees who are equipped with learning style awareness and applications have the skills needed to enhance their job performance and better support their teammates.
Best Practices for Leading Work Teams with Diverse Learning Styles
Awareness and education are the first steps in incorporating learning style theories into your organization for performance optimization. Consider using assessments or surveys to identify your team members' learning preferences. The VARK® Questionnaire is a free online assessment that may be a good place to start. Alternatively, ask team members to reflect on a training, briefing, or meeting in which they can recall large amounts of information. How this information was relayed may provide clues as to the team members’ learning styles.
Reflect on how you communicate new information to your team. Do you simply send lengthy emails? Do you relay new information via a long video call? Do you prioritize one-on-one discussions with each team member? Many of us tend to relay information in the way that we learn best—not necessarily the way our team members process information best. Consider incorporating a mix of visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic elements into your organizational operation to ensure inclusivity in a way that enhances communication effectiveness.
Organizational leaders who wish to enhance learning style applications within their teams may consider providing training on these universal concepts. Through the provision of resources, such as written manuals, instructional videos, and hands-on workshops, organizational teams can become better skilled at integrating learning style applications within their day-to-day responsibilities. Understanding learning styles can help maximize team potential, communicate outstanding areas of support, and enhance organizational communication.
Conclusion
Embracing the diversity of learning styles in the workplace is not just about enhancing individual performance but also about building a more cohesive and effective team. By understanding and accommodating different learning preferences, organizations can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and productive work environment. Applying the concepts of learning styles to organizations can help ensure that work teams are well-equipped to learn, grow, and succeed together.
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