Understanding Learning Styles - A Guide for Instructional Designers

Learning is a complex process, and as instructional designers, it's essential to tailor our training materials to suit the diverse needs of our learners. A popular framework for understanding and accommodating these differences is the concept of learning modalities. Fleming and Mills suggested the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) to define different learning preferences and help professionals in the L&D field create better learning experiences.

What Are Learning Modalities?

Learning modalities refer to the various ways individuals prefer to learn and process information. These preferences include Visual Learning, Auditory Learning, Reading/Writing Learning, and Kinesthetic Learning modalities. Recognizing these preferences helps instructional designers create more engaging and effective learning experiences.

Common Misunderstandings

It's important to note that the concept of learning modalities has been misunderstood over the years. Individuals are not exclusively inclined toward a single modality such as "visual learners" or "auditory learners." This oversimplification can lead to labeling individuals into fixed categories, which is not accurate.

In reality, learning modalities and styles are preferences, not limitations. People often use a combination of styles, depending on the context and the material being learned. It's crucial for instructional designers to recognize that individuals can adapt and develop their abilities across various styles.

Understanding VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic

The VARK model breaks down learning preferences into four categories:

Visual

Visual learning involves acquiring knowledge through visual representations of information, such as images, diagrams, charts, graphs, symbols, and visual aids. By communicating concepts and ideas visually, you make it easier for learners who prefer this style to understand. However, this modality does not include real-life pictures, movies, or PowerPoints for visuals.

Imagine you are designing training for a marketing team learning about market trends. Utilize visually appealing infographics and charts that illustrate the latest data. Incorporate engaging animations that showcase successful marketing campaigns as case studies.

Auditory

Auditory learning involves the preference for grasping information through verbal communication. Trainees who prefer to learn this way say that they learn best from listening to lectures, group discussions, and podcasts. This is better presented using non-formal language that is used every day. Conversations give learners the chance to talk things out to better understand the lesson, and repeating ideas in their own way further benefits their grasp of the concepts. 

Suppose you are conducting a training session on effective communication skills. Organize live webinars with expert speakers, conduct panel discussions, and provide recorded interviews with communication experts for those who prefer Auditory Learning.

Reading/Writing

The Read/write preference revolves around using reading and writing-based learning methods. Not surprisingly, displaying information as written materials, such as textbooks, articles, manuals, reports, essays, note-taking, searching on the internet, and assignments benefits a lot of learners.

When designing training for a research team learning about new methodologies, provide in-depth written guides and research papers. Encourage participants to take detailed notes and engage in group discussions to reinforce their understanding.

Kinesthetic

The kinesthetic modality involves the preference for hands-on experiences, simulations, demonstrations, recorded videos, case studies, and interactive activities through practice and application. Trainees who prefer to learn this way often say that they can’t really understand until they do it themselves. When learners actively engage with the material through real-life practice, they make the connection on exactly how the lesson works in practice.

Suppose you are teaching a sales team about negotiation skills. Arrange role-play exercises where participants can practice negotiation scenarios. Use simulations that mimic real-world sales situations, allowing them to apply what they've learned in a practical context.

Using Learning Modalities in Training

To effectively use learning styles in training materials:

Assessment: Begin by helping individuals understand their own preferred learning styles through self-assessment tools or surveys.

Variety: Design your training content to include elements from each learning style, including Visual Learning, Auditory Learning, Reading/Writing Learning, and Kinesthetic Learning. This ensures that you cater to a broader range of preferences.

Flexibility: Allow individuals to explore the material in ways that align with their preferred styles, but encourage them to also step out of their comfort zones occasionally.

Feedback: Gather feedback from participants to make ongoing adjustments and improvements to your training materials.

Understanding learning styles, including the VARK model, is a valuable tool for instructional designers. By accommodating different learning preferences, such as Visual Learning, Auditory Learning, Reading/Writing Learning, and Kinesthetic Learning, you can create more engaging and effective training materials. However, it's essential to avoid labeling individuals and instead recognize the fluid nature of these preferences. Tailor your approach, provide variety, and encourage exploration of different styles, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Happy designing! 📘🖋️