Effective learning in style

In today's blog, I would like to describe the extremely important and often overlooked topic of learning styles. This article is dedicated especially to those who transfer knowledge to others, i.e. trainers or coaches, but not only.

"Resistant to knowledge"

We sometimes come across such a term for some people, don't we? This often occurs when we want to impart some knowledge to a person, and the person is not quite able to assimilate what we actually mean. This is not because the person doesn't have the intellectual resources to understand the issue at hand, but simply because we are speaking to him in a language that is not very "understandable" to him - that is, the learning style.

Four different ways, one goal

There are 4 main learning styles in adults. They are closely related to our personality, reactions to how we perceive a given stimulus. Knowing this fact in an almost uncanny way allows us to choose the right form of transferring knowledge to others:

• Accomodator
• Assimilator
• Converger
• Diverter

Precursor

David A. Kolb is an American theorist of teaching methods. His main interests and publications concern the so-called "Experiential Learning Model." The scientist specified the styles in question, which have entered as a permanent foundation into the canon of most knowledge management and organizational theories. His specification has become a permanent fixture in teaching methodology, and not without reason...it just works.

Accomodator

Concrete experience and active experimentation dominate. The accommodator is better able to put plans and experiments into action than anyone else, and is capable of personal involvement in new experiences. He is more likely to take risks and enjoys adapting to new conditions. These skills are evident in professions that require activity and action, such as running marketing and sales.

Assimilator

He is dominated by abstract generalization and reflective observation. The assimilator demonstrates the ability to create theoretical models, integrating observations into integrated explanations. Less important are human problems practical, it is more important that the theory be logical and precise. This style tends to be used most often in fields related to information and science.

Converger

Is a combination of abstract generalization and active experimentation. People using this style of learning show the the greatest ability to apply theory in practice. This style is best in situations such as an intelligence test. Convergers focus on a specific problem, tend not to show emotions, are more interested in they are more interested in tasks and things than in human problems. These skills are particularly useful in technical professions.

Diverger

Characterized by a high degree of imagination. To perceive specific situations from different points of view, a person with this type of learning style needs a snapshot encapsulated into a coherent whole. A diverter works best in situations that require thought generation (such as brainstorming), shows interest in people and is emotionally involved. He also displays broad cultural interests. These skills support the diverger's effectiveness in the areas of culture, art, entertainment and broader services.

Understanding our cognitive processes allows the trainer to tailor the form of his program in a highly targeted manner for individual trainees, which in turn translates into effectively leaving a clear memory trace with them. It is worth betting on the teaching methodology, as it is the key to achieving good and expected training results.