The following represents some background material for the free teleclass: Understanding Learning Styles to Enhance Your Business Results.

This material has been modified from the class.  

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Think of a time when you found an environment conducive for learning.

What are some of the key elements that made it a good learning opportunity?

• memorizing

• writing

• hands on doing

• application to my own experiences

• color coordinating

• Q and A

• pictures

• see the big picture

• testing myself

• variety

• lectures

• games

• quiet with few interruptions

• opportunities to discuss with others

• huge interactive

• information in a structured manner / detail first

• experience and then get the information

• info first and then the hands on

• interaction and hands on  - make mistakes

• in a group setting - learning  from others

We all have different preferences on how we learn.

 

"Communication is the companion of learning."  Source Unknown

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What are Learning Styles?

Learning Styles are the manner in which people's brains take in and store information.  Why is knowing our own style important?

• self awareness

• helps us to understand the models and concepts

• makes us aware of our own biases towards how we might teach or instruct others

• helps us to make sure we meet our own needs in our learning

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SENSORY MODALITY

There are scores of models on learning styles or theories.  Perhaps the most common model is based on sensory preferences.   Auditory learners learn best by hearing the material. Visual learners need to see the material to learn most effectively. Kinesthetic learners are those who learn best by doing. During childhood, each person advances through
various stages of each style. However, each person is born with tendencies toward one main style. There is no right or wrong style. Each one has advantages and disadvantages.  Most individuals use a combination of all three modalities.

What can you do in a teleclass or training event that will help appeal to the various learning preferences?

Visual	Auditory	Tactile
diagrams flip charts overheads whiteboards pictures maps written materials handouts to follow along video web sites net meeting mind mapping	stories music - for transitioning  to next activity music - for meditation or visualization quotes discussion - especially in small groups chimes / gongs	models or actual "hardware" "toys" lots of getting up exercises and stretching massages by partners writing in notebooks room layout  hands activities skits

Mind mapping is a great a tool for visual and tactile learners.  It  can also engage both abstract and concrete learners.  Click here for more information on Mind Mapping and how it is used.

The use of the web for real time business meetings or training was suggested.  For more info check out Web.Ex and NetMeeting.

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"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." Pablo Picasso

Go to next for more.

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